Sustainability and Energy Action Plan

APPENDIX XII: MERLIN 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. This means such a solar field at Merlin would have an approximate cost of $1,615,000. Annual production would be 2,244,218 kWh , generating a credit offset or revenue of $246,864. The return on investment and the payback period are once again 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. 163