Solar Covered Parking Project
The solar covered parking project is nearly finished. It should be completed in April. Here are some common questions, and the answers, about the project.HOW WAS THE SOLAR PARKING PROJECT PAID FOR?
The project is being paid for with our federal tax dollars coming back into our community in a competitive process (known as CREBS bonds issued through the IRS) not from our local general fund budget. An energy consultant, who has worked with various municipalities and higher educational institutions around the state, was awarded the bid and put on contract to do our energy audit to bring our campus up to conservation & sustainability standards. We also save electricity costs based upon credits and a reduced rate agreement with TEP for electricity which is generated through these solar panels. This project will have a payback of the physical infrastructure and investment in 12 years and ongoing electric savings for many years beyond that.WHY WEREN’T THE SOLAR PANELS PUT ON THE ROOFS TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY INSTEAD?
The roof lines were not viable in their current configuration (materials and orientation to the sun) for the newer technology of the solar panels we will be using without significant cost to change, defeating the purpose of the project. The panels themselves make the actual “roof” of the covered parking; they are not “mounted.” (Note, if we undertake a second phase that includes the Library in the future, that roof is viable for potential solar panels. We have joint ownership of that building with the County, so they would have to be in agreement with any plans proposed).IS THE PARKING GOING TO BE RESERVED ONLY FOR EMPLOYEES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS?
Covered parking will not be “reserved” or “designated” for any employees or the Council. A few of the 180 spots may become designated for “carpool vehicles” to promote conservation of natural resources for the public and employees. Any existing spots currently designated with signage for visitors (about 8 spots along the curb closest to the buildings) and other public uses (one 20 min. drop off parking for water bill customers and one drop off parking spot for private sector firms who drop off plans for development services) will remain.ARE OTHER CONSERVATION EFFORTS BEING MADE?
The Town has a water conservation program already in place for town facilities as well as private residences. A “Green Team” was established that has shepherded numerous projects, including new commercial landscape code that was adopted with a focus on sustainability and conservation. This was just before the energy efficiency upgrade project was approved of which the solar covered parking is only one element in a larger Energy Efficiency Conservation Strategy for our Town Hall campus buildings. We have benchmarked these energy efficiency standards against other communities who seek to “be green” and lead the way on conservation and sustainability.Thank you everyone for your patience during the construction.
For more information contact Conservation and Sustainability Administrator Bayer Vella at (520) 229-4810 or bvella@orovalleyaz.gov.