Stephens County took a major step toward renewable energy and long-term taxpayer savings after approval of the installation of a solar panel system adjacent to the county jail.
The project, at just over $1.1 million, was unanimously approved by the Stephens County Commission during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22.
Much of the funds spent will be returned to the county as part of a federal initiative, according to officials, while substantially reduced power/utility expenses are expected over the course of time. As planned, the net project cost will come out at just over $790,000.
Stephens County Administrator Christian Hamilton told board members the benefit would be an “immediate offset of utility costs at the jail” and that, “over the life of the panels,” the county will save money.
“It will tap into the transformer right outside of the jail,” Hamilton said following Tuesday’s meeting. “It will be used to offset the energy cost.”
While, for now, it’s unclear exactly how many panels could be installed, county officials reiterated the notion of significant savings to the taxpayers.
Currently, according to Hamilton, electricity costs at the jail amount to around $70,000 annually. With the addition of the solar panels, Hamilton said that cost could drop below $20,000 a year.
Another incentive – a federal tax credit rebate totaling 30% of the project cost, which Stephens County will receive.
Stephens County Commissioner Chris Rickman, who motioned to approve the item, commended county staff for discovery of the tax credit.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Rickman said. “I think it’s a step forward for the county to be – like (Hamilton) mentioned – one of the first (counties) in the region to do it. It’s something that’s going to benefit Stephens County as a whole for a long time.”
Officials say installation of the solar panels is expected to be completed before the height of summer.
