Solar panels recently installed on the roof of the Athens Public Library will bring numerous financial and environmental benefits to the community, local officials said.
The 62.7 kilowatt solar panel system, completed Aug. 12 and powered on Aug. 13, will produce a projected 75,240 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity during the first year, said Gerald Kelly, communications director for Third Sun Solar, the company that installed the panels.
The Athens County Public Library will buy power at five cents per kilowatt hour, about half of what they currently pay for electricity, Kelly said, thanks to “generous donations from library patrons who have solar on their homes and who want to see clean solar power grow in their community.”
Donations paid down part of the cost of the system, and allowed for a lower rate to be put in place, because the library is using a Power Purchase Agreement, which enables the library to install solar panels and pay for power generated at a discounted rate, Kelly said.
A third party — the donors — pays for design, construction, installation, and maintenance.
The cost of the panel system was approximately $150,000, including installation, and was funded completely by two anonymous donors without the help of any grants or tax breaks.
“We are pleased the library is using its excellent site for solar power technology and at the same time saving money during a time of reduced support from state government,” said one of the anonymous donors in a statement provided by the library.
Communications Coordinator for Athens County Libraries Jenaye Antonuccio said the system will provide about one-third of the building’s electrical consumption and enough power for most of the lighting and computers in the building.
Antonuccio also credited monetary gifts for the success of the project.
“None of this could have happened without the donors and their vision for our community and its future,” she said.
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