Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
The Roosevelt County Commission is exploring the possibility of implementing solar energy into several county facilities.
The feasibility assessment was presented by Souder, Miller and Associates Market Sector Manager Dale Lyons and Vice President of Positive Energy Solar Thomas Gray to the Commission at its regular meeting Tuesday.
Lyons said SMA was contracted by the county to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of developing net metered solar photovoltaic systems at Roosevelt County Detention Center, County Fairgrounds Arena and Jake Lopez Community Center.
After obtaining two years of electric billing records and research electric utility rates of the facilities, Lyons said the company was able to make an electric usage summary:
• Roosevelt County Detention Center average monthly electric bill is $4,106.
• Roosevelt County Fairgrounds Arena average monthly electric bill is $880.
• Jake Lopez Community Center average monthly electric bill is $439.
• SMA determined that optimally sized net metered solar PV systems can be built at each facility. Lyons recommended the county pursue grant funding to fund project developments:
• Detention Center required minimum grant funding of 20%
• Fairgrounds Arena required minimum grant funding of 30%
• Community Center required minimum grant funding of 40%
Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton said getting this assessment was necessary for the county to begin applying for grants.
Hamilton advised the Commission to strictly focus its attention on getting funding for the detention center, before focusing on the other facilities.
Commissioner Dennis Lopez questioned whether the solar panels will be able to handle high winds and “golf ball-size hail.”
Gray confirmed the panels can withstand the weather conditions.
No action was taken on the discussion.
