With as much rain and cloudy days we have had this winter, solar energy should be the farthest thing from my mind. However, I feel quite certain that the sun will come out again, which is why Eagle Solar is currently installing a solar energy system for our maintenance facility.
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| All the panels arrived on 4 pallets. |
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| Inverter installation |
This past summer, Sam Yates of Eagle Solar proposed adding a solar energy system to the clubhouse. For various reasons, it was determined that the clubhouse was not a good candidate for the system. However, I asked Sam if our maintenance facility would be a good candidate since it is for the most part out of sight and more importantly, out in the open.
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| Each panel must be mapped. |
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| Roof rails that will hold the panels. |
Sam proceeded with a study which included years of past electricity use, satellite imagery of our facility, an engineering study of our building, along with the estimated savings in electrical costs. His proposal estimated our savings in electrical costs would be greater than the planned lease costs of the system. Last fall, we elected to go ahead with Eagle Solar's bid. However, based on his study and proposal, only a portion of our building was structurally strong enough to accommodate the solar panels. As a result, we would have to locate some of the panels in an area adjacent to the staff parking lot.
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| First row installed. |
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| Unfinished array adjacent to the parking lot. |
One of the major benefits of Eagle Solar's proposal to the club was that it would not cost the club anything. Eagle Solar would provide the installation and would get all the necessary permits. After 10 years, the lease payment goes away and the club would own the system. Even when the lease payment is factored in, the club will save over $1000 per year in electrical costs. Other benefits include, very low maintenance, supporting a "Green" business approach, reduced pollution, and demonstrating HFCC's support to the environment.
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| Completed roof installation. |
