City to install solar panels with energy grant
The city takes a $218,809 loan from its Capital and Lending Reserve Fund to cover the 20 percent matching fund requirement for the $872,809 State of Texas Distributed Renewable Energy Technology Grant.
Councilman Jim Swafford -District 2 said the panels provide the buildings’ electricity needs during daylight and the current provider supplying electricity at night and on cloudy days.
Councilman Swafford explained the city currently pays 8.37 cents per kilowatt hour. With the panels in place, the city could save almost $18,000 per year. He added the current rate contract is set to expire in three and half years, so future savings could be significant as electricity rates are expected to climb.
The panels carry a twenty-five year guarantee. Ones in California are more that thirty-five years old. Swafford said the only maintenance problem the city could experience would be weather damage from severe storms.
In other Council action, unopposed candidates, Charles England - Mayor and Councilman Jim Swafford – District 2, in the May 8 City Election, were declared winners.
