Sussex Conservation District begins installing solar power system

GEORGETOWN (Dec. 13, 2011) – The Sussex Conservation District has begun installation of a 39.48 KW solar power system to help provide power to their Shortly Road facility in Georgetown. The system will occupy about a half-acre of ground and will include 168 solar panels divided into three 66-foot rows and one 33-foot row. The panels are guaranteed to produce 58,057 KWH annually and should significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the electric bill for the District’s office building and equipment yard.

Because of the size of the system needed and required orientation, the District chose a ground-mount system as opposed to a roof top system. The micro-inverter type system will generate DC power that will be converted to AC power right at the panel. The system will be fenced to meet electrical code requirements. 

The idea for the solar panel project came about as District staff members were looking for ways to reduce operating expenses. Another positive aspect of the project is that it will benefit the environment. The installation of the 168-panel system is equivalent to planting 1,400 mature Ponderosa Pine trees, and it will have the potential for annual reductions of 68,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide emissions, 900 lbs. of sulfur dioxide emissions, and 2,350 lbs. of nitrogen oxide emissions. 

“For decades, Delaware’s Conservation Districts have pioneered environmentally-sustainable practices,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “With the construction of this 39-kilowatt solar system, the Sussex Conservation District will continue this tradition of leadership while creating construction jobs and saving money for years to come.”

“Choosing to install the solar panel field makes economic and environmental sense,” said Jim Elliott, assistant stormwater program manager with Sussex Conservation District and coordinator of the solar panel project. “The project is another example of the District’s commitment to enhancing, maintaining, protecting and improving our environment and natural resources.”

The solar system, including fence, will cost $187,000. The District obtained $40,866 in federal grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The ARRA State Energy Program is administered through the DNREC Division of Energy and Climate’s Delaware Green Energy Fund. The Sussex Conservation District hopes to recoup their portion of the costs in about 11 years.

For more information on the Sussex Conservation District and their programs, please visit www.sussexconservation.org or call 302-856-3990, ext. 3.

Vol. 41, No. 470