Reno goes renewable

Last week, the city of Reno completed nine solar installations that, according to a statement from the city, are expected to save the citys general fund $1.6 to $3 million over the course of the next 20 years and means the city is now receiving 15 percent to 18 percent of its total power from solar.

A total of 5,016 solar panels make up the installations that have potential to create almost 2 million kilowatt hours per year. The project was funded by $4.1 million in rebates from SolarGenerations and NVEnergy, as well as federal tax incentives. Enfinity America Corporation also contributed to the funding and will manage the installations for the 20 year period as established by the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The installations are part of a Request for Proposal to build renewable energy by taking advantage of a Nevada state law passed in October 2009 which allows for third party ownership of renewable energy generation systems, the statement said. The law allows businesses, institutions and governments to purchase solar arrays without upfront capital costs. Money is saved by paying long-term fixed rates on the energy generated.

Residents can track the energy produced by the new installations and wind turbines that have already been erected by going to www.reno.gov and clicking on the Green Energy Dashboard. The installations are at Mira Loma Park, the Rosewood Lakes Golf Course, the Neil Road complex, the Reno-Stead Wastewater Plant, the Public Works Corporation Yard, the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center and Reno fire stations 3, 10 and 11.