Solar panels to help power MWCD operations
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will be turning to solar energy to save money on its electric bills and reduce its carbon footprint.
In December, the MWCD Board of Directors approved an agreement with IMC Solar to provide solar energy at Atwood, Clendening, Piedmont, Seneca and Tappan lakes, in addition to the office located in New Philadelphia.
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The solar power generated from these projects will help offset about 73% of the energy on locations with solar and lower the conservancy district's carbon footprint by an estimated 656 tons of CO2 emissions.
“MWCD’s mission is to be a good steward of our natural resources,” Craig Butler, MWCD executive director, said in a statement. “By harnessing solar energy to help power our facilities, we can reduce our carbon footprint, and lessen our environmental impact. Ohio has excellent opportunities for solar power, and we expect to grow this program to expand in the future. We are fortunate to partner with IMC Solar and welcome them as part of our team to help us manage our long-term energy management needs.”
“The IMC Solar team is thrilled to partner with MWCD to develop renewable energy to help the district achieve its sustainability goal. The solar program will also provide better economics for the district’s energy expenditures,” said Rick Frio, managing partner for IMC Solar.
IMC Solar evaluated electricity usage, determined potential solar locations and potential cost savings for the conservancy district. The company will assist during the construction phase as well as the negotiations of a purchase power agreement, including providing financial modeling of the potential projects.
"The power that will be harvested from the solar panels will allow us to reduce our overall demand for electricity. It won't directly power a specific facility, but it just will reduce our demand for electricity," said Adria Bergeron, director of marketing and communications for the conservancy district.
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The projects at the various lakes will go out for bid this year, she said. The goal is to have solar panels installed by the end of 2023.
She noted that this project will not cost the district any money. The MWCD will receive a tax credit that will be passed along to the developers.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Conservancy district to use solar panels to reduce electricity usage
