Marshall County is considering how to lower its utility costs with a potential investment in solar technology.
During Monday morning’s County Commissioners meeting, Jim Straeter with Pres Ag Technologies, explained the potential benefits of solar at the Marshall County Justice Center.
“The good news and the bad news about renewable energy and high rates is that the higher your rate is, the fast its paid off,” says Straeter.
The county is considered by the company to be paying a slightly higher rate per kilowatt hour through the Marshall County REMC.
According to Straeter, plans are available to reduce their utility cost burden through alternative energy while simultaneously being able to sell back their energy production to the grid.
In Marshall County’s case, the company proposed 32 solar panels on a stand away from the physical justice center building. The cost of the solar panels, according to the company, would largely pay for itself over time.
Marshall County has sufficient land to host the solar panels at the justice center. One Commissioner, however, proposed putting the panels on the roof. Straeter says the county doesn’t want to make that mistake.
“Part of the reason our system is as efficient as it is, is that it’s up in the air and is as ventilated as it’s going to get without a fan blowing on it so it stays cooler,” says Straeter. “The other thing is you tilt it, but on a roof you give up both of those.”
Cooler solar panels produce more energy than warmer panels.
There are multiple ways for Marshall County to implement the technology according to Straeter.
The Commissioners agreed on Monday to allow the company to continue working to develop cost estimates and develop a list of benefits in the instance the county wishes to move forward.
