Executive Board (Public Comment – John Popa, 3/12/2024)

Executive Summary:

The document discusses a proposal to install solar panels at the Government Center. The author, who claims to be a career registered engineer and a certified energy manager, strongly advises against the project for several reasons:

Sections:

1. Economic and Practical Considerations:
– The author argues that this is the worst place in the country to support solar energy and that the project does not make economic or practical sense.
– The estimated savings of $35,000 per year are questionable, and the project has a very long payback period of 46 years, even after subtracting maintenance costs.

2. Conflict of Interest:
– The author suggests that the report was developed by a lobbyist, Joe DeFores, who has a conflict of interest as $8,000 is directed to his organization.

3. Operational and Maintenance Challenges:
– The proposed location of the panels above the parking lot is problematic, with issues such as maintenance, cleaning, and plowing around the posts.
– The author estimates the yearly expenses, including staff time, to be over $250,000, which could be better spent on other priorities, such as hiring and retaining police officers.

4. Lack of Expertise and Capacity:
– The author argues that the county does not have the necessary skills, time, or budget to properly manage and maintain the solar project, and it should be left to the utilities.

The author strongly recommends that the county withdraw from the grant and stay out of the electric generation business, as it is not their core responsibility and could lead to financial and operational challenges.

National Renewable Energy Lab