WHAT WE KNOW: Geneseo aldermen voted to learn more about a proposed second solar array last month.
WHAT’S NEW: Tim O’Malley of Renewable Support Services of Rock Island gave a presentation on his firm’s plans for Geneseo Tuesday. RSS would develop, engineer, construct and operate a two-megawatt solar generating facility on 15 acres. The new panels would track the sun throughout the day.
“That technology has come a long way since you built yours (in 2015),” he said.
According to O’Malley, the new solar array would allow Geneseo to keep the average cost of energy at under four cents per kilowatt hour, O’Malley said. He called Geneseo “very unique” in its ability to have independent electric generation and added the solar array would enable the city to remain as independent as possible.
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The goal would be for Geneseo to purchase the facility from RSS in the sixth year of operation. Right now, the city’s current bond payments at $630,000 per year do not allow the city to take on any more debt. The city is estimating its bond payment for the new solar array years from now would be $225,000 after bonding for $1.8 million.
“This opportunity for us makes the most sense,” said Eric Rowold, director of electrical operations. “With our bonds that we currently have, we’re unable to do it (ourselves).”
The plan hinges on obtaining renewable energy credits worth $1 million from the Illinois Shines program. RSS would apply to the program — as a municipality, the city can’t fully utilize or receive the tax credits — and if it had no more capacity for a certain year, the project would get moved to apply for the next year.
O’Malley said the initial cost of energy for Geneseo would roughly net two cents per kilowatt hour. The new solar panels would be 650 watts, compared to the existing one-megawatt solar farm’s 290 watts. The facility would have an expected lifespan of 35 to 40 years.
Mayor Sean Johnson reminded the council that the current array is still providing good service.
“Just because technology changes and things get better, it’s still very beneficial to the city,” he said.
Aldermen approved 7-0 a motion to have attorneys at Ancel Glink who specialize in solar energy look at the purchase power agreement and the financials. Ald. James Roodhouse, 2nd Ward, was absent. attorney Derke Price said the cost won’t exceed $3,000.
WHAT’S NEXT: Aldermen also approved recommending to council a two-year agreement with the Farmers’ Market to operate on Pearl Street just north of the city park. The market runs every Saturday starting the last week in June through the end of October. No money will change hands in the agreement.
Here’s the latest for Thursday, January 25: Judge shuts down Trump testimony; Trump aide gets 4 month sentence; Biden announces infrastructure projects; Protests at Machu Picchu.
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