Renewable Energy
Arizona Co-op Aids Community Solar
An Arizona electric cooperative is helping fire departments in its service area reap the benefits of the desert sun with solar systems funded by the co-op’s renewable program and a federal grant.
Arizona’s Bullhead City Hall generates solar electricity from a system purchased with the help of surcharges paid by co-op members. (Photo By: Mohave Electric Cooperative)
“We look for projects that will have widespread public benefit,” said Peggy Gillman, manager of public affairs and energy services for Mohave Electric Cooperative. “Adding solar power to government buildings and schools helps reduce their operating costs, and helps to save taxpayers money.”
Each month, the Bullhead City-based co-op’s nearly 39,000 members pay renewable energy surcharges, required by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The co-op files a renewable energy plan that includes incentives to assist with residential and commercial solar installations, as well as some community-based projects.
Since 2009, the co-op has helped with solar installations at 17 schools and the Bullhead City Hall.
“Each of the school projects has had an educational component,” Gillman said. “Not only are the solar panels helping to offset some of the campus energy needs, but students are also getting the chance to observe how the photovoltaic systems produce renewable energy.”
The 50-kilowatt city hall project, completed in December 2010, has produced 95,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity so far. Bullhead City received an additional federal grant to fund the elevated structure for the photovoltaic panels and provide shaded parking in the municipal lot.
The co-op is working with fire department officials to complete construction of a new solar installation at the main fire station by March to meet requirements for a federal stimulus grant.
There are plans to expand the program to the 14 other fire stations throughout Mohave Electric’s service territory.
“These projects bring immediate economic development dollars to our local community during the construction phase,” said Tyler Carlson, chief executive officer of Mohave Electric. “The sustainable benefits accomplished by saving energy dollars through renewable energy benefit our members and taxpayers by helping control operating costs for education and government.”
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