The Knoxville New Sentinel reports that 5 MW solar photovoltaic systems serving publicly owned buildings in Knox (TN) County will generate more than $29 million in savings and $14 million in positive cash flow during the next 30 years. The cost of the project is $12.5 million.
A total of 15 buildings will get the panels: Four public buildings – including The Knox County Central building — and 11 schools. The initial phase of the job will employ 125 people. The rooftop locations will have ballast installations, meaning that they will not be physically attached to the structures. Two of the installations will be at ground level.
Ameresco – which also is working on a school project in Haverhill, MA – was the only bidder for the installation contract.
Solar energy is making progress. In Norwalk, CT, the Mayor’s Energy and Environment Task Force plans to provide 50 homes and businesses with solar energy systems. October 1 is the deadline for certified installers to resp0ond to the purchasing department’s request for proposals, according to The Online Hour.