Sustainability and Energy Action Plan

APPENDIX XI: FOOTHILL LANDFILL SOLAR CALCULATIONS GRANTS PASS SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN The cost to install 1 MW of solar power generation capacity in a ground mount solar power station ranges from $.89 to $1.01 per installed watt, using national average costs. The 2.6 MW potential (a MW is a million watts) at the Foothill site would thus cost an estimated $2,314,000 to $2,626,000. Using the National Renewable Energy Lab modeling tool, the production potential of a 2.6 MW Solar Energy Station at the Foothill site is 3,453,258 kWh per year, assuming 4.87 peak hours of solar radiation per day. The value of the electricity to be produced at the Foothill site, at $.11 per kWh , is thus $379,858 per year. This amount could offset electricity use at City facilities and reduce operating costs. The rate of return and payback period for this investment is very attractive. NOTE: All data subject to revision, based on local assessment by solar and electrical professionals. The analysis here is intended to show feasibility based on estimates and preliminary assessments. There are also significant positive externalities resulting from this investment in clean renewable energy. The project will help the City to achieve its adopted goals regarding Sustainability. In addition, local energy for local use creates resilience against grid failure, if configured for separate use and with battery storage. The City’s brand and image as a destination can be enhanced by targeted marketing of the investment. A partnership between the City, Pacific Power, Energy Trust , the Oregon Department of Energy, and others could make these two projects a reality within the next few years. 161