Georgetown, Del., April 12, 2011: Sussex County has long been known for growing chickens and crops. But later this year, the County will be adding a new commodity to its harvest: the power of the sun.
County leaders broke ground Tuesday, April 12, 2011, on a new solar field next to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center east of Georgetown. The field of approximately 400 solar panels, when completed, will use the sun to produce up to 413-kilowatt hours of electricity each day – helping to power the around-the-clock facility and offsetting almost half the EOC’s annual energy usage.
That will shave about $15,000 off the EOC’s annual electric bill, creating a savings for the County – and taxpayers – that will add up significantly over time.
The project, funded by a $648,000 federal grant made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is the most significant use of renewable energy technology in County government ever. Flexera Inc. of Harbeson, Del., is under contract to build the project, which should be finished by late July.
“This project is all about renewal – renewable energy, and renewing our economy,” County Administrator David Baker said. “This is an investment in the short term for our local economy with a local contractor installing the solar panels. And it’s an investment in our future, saving the County hundreds of thousands of dollars in the years ahead.
“That’s a win for our economy, for our environment and for the citizens of Sussex County,” Mr. Baker said.
County officials said the project will pay measurable dividends over the next two decades. The panels will produce enough electricity, more than 145,500 kilowatt hours a year, to cut an estimated $14,845 off the EOC’s $86,000 annual electric bill, said Gina A. Jennings, director of the County’s Accounting Division. Additionally, the panels will produce enough electricity into the regional power grid that the County could earn as much as $43,000 a year in renewable energy certificates, which utilities must buy to comply with State requirements.
Based on estimates, Sussex County stands to save and/or collect as much as $1.2 million over the next 25 years by using the solar technology.
County Council President Michael Vincent said the project provides the County a unique opportunity of saving money and making money at the same time, an economic two-for-one special of sorts that is often difficult to achieve in government projects or business ventures.
“We’re taking two otherwise competing forces – saving money and making money – and bringing them together to create one very positive result,” Mr. Vincent said. “We’re thankful the federal government is providing the funds necessary to make this investment so that Sussex County and its taxpayers can have the best of both worlds.”
Mr. Vincent said the project, the County’s largest renewable energy system, would be a good test to determine the true viability and practicality of using green technologies.
“We are hopeful that this project will demonstrate the benefits that renewable energy may offer in the years to come,” Mr. Vincent added. “And we hope it helps set Sussex County apart as a leader in the use of new technologies and new methods.”
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