Burlington County Freeholders approve solar panels on county building to offset energy costs
The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a contract Sept. 23 that will make one of the county’s roofs pay for some of its energy costs.
Those lazy, granite-colored shingles don’t seem to contribute.
The freeholders awarded a contract for the construction of the county’s first solar panel project at its 50 Rancocas Road building, a three-story building that houses court facilities. The $1.5 million project includes upgrades to the building’s office space, exterior, the installation of a new HVAC system, as well as a new roof. Though no exact start time was given, the project is expected to be completed by summer of next year, according to Burlington County spokeswoman Karen Smith. The county will float a bond to cover the renovations.
Smith said the county has been looking into solar energy for the past two years, adding “the county has always taken a progressive look at energy and energy conservation.”
Designed by GLP Architects, out of Moorestown, and the Miller-Remick Corp., out of Cherry Hill, the installation cost of the 88 300-watt solar panels is about $198,000. Smith said the county’s energy consultant, Birdsall Services Group, reviewed the solar energy project, and estimated an energy cost savings $5,000 for the first year, though the panels require about $500 per year in operation and maintenance costs.
The project will also qualify for a one-time Customer Onsite Renewable Energy [CORE] rebate of about $26,000; and will generate $13,000 worth of energy credits annually, which will be purchased from the county by New Jersey energy providers.
Those lazy, granite-colored shingles don’t seem to contribute.
The freeholders awarded a contract for the construction of the county’s first solar panel project at its 50 Rancocas Road building, a three-story building that houses court facilities. The $1.5 million project includes upgrades to the building’s office space, exterior, the installation of a new HVAC system, as well as a new roof. Though no exact start time was given, the project is expected to be completed by summer of next year, according to Burlington County spokeswoman Karen Smith. The county will float a bond to cover the renovations.
Smith said the county has been looking into solar energy for the past two years, adding “the county has always taken a progressive look at energy and energy conservation.”
Designed by GLP Architects, out of Moorestown, and the Miller-Remick Corp., out of Cherry Hill, the installation cost of the 88 300-watt solar panels is about $198,000. Smith said the county’s energy consultant, Birdsall Services Group, reviewed the solar energy project, and estimated an energy cost savings $5,000 for the first year, though the panels require about $500 per year in operation and maintenance costs.
The project will also qualify for a one-time Customer Onsite Renewable Energy [CORE] rebate of about $26,000; and will generate $13,000 worth of energy credits annually, which will be purchased from the county by New Jersey energy providers.
