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Solar power project proposed for South Range

BEAVER TWP. — The South Range school board this week learned about a possible solar power project that could save the district a significant amount in electrical costs.

Ed Cvelbar, senior business development manager at OpTerra Energy Services, told the board the company, which operates solar projects across the country, can provide an alternative energy source that can save the district $54,000 in the first year.

According to Cvelbar, the company can install solar panels and maintain them at no cost to the district. The district then buys the power from the company at a reduced rate.

Currently the district is paying $267,000 annually for electric, but could see a savings of $54,000 if the district installs .5 megawatts of solar power and replace the campus lighting with LED bulbs, Cvelbar said. After the $54,000 savings the first year, the savings will continue to escalate each subsequent year.

The district would sign a 25-year contract, the life expectancy of the panels. The electric rate would be locked in for the entirety of the contract.

The proposed project is different from traditional energy projects because the company pays for the project upfront, with the district incurring no debt, Cvelbar explained.

“There’s an opportunity to save a significant amount of money,” he said, noting his surprise at the amount.

Cvelbar said the cost of electricity is taking on greater relevancy, and will continue to become more important, within the next few years. He said a state representative told him there will likely be a 2.5 percent increase in electric rates in the near future due to Ohio Edison nuclear issues.

However, as the cost of electricity increases, the cost of solar panels are plummeting, he said, describing South Range as a sort of guinea pig in that significant savings were not known to be available in Ohio yet.

Board President John Kuhns said the board will research the proposed project.

khowell@salemnews.net

 

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