Winnemucca News

Winnemucca News

School board votes to seek NV Energy rebates on solar panels - 03-25-2010

WINNEMUCCA — The Humboldt County School Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday to pursue obtaining NV Energy rebates on the purchase of solar panels, which would significantly reduce energy demands – and thus the power bill -- at area schools. 

Schools have already undergone significant energy-use reductions due to the improvements made with the money from the 2008 voter-approved bond.  The reductions in energy were such the savings will help pay for the solar panels.  In addition, there may be federal funding available for these kinds of green projects.

The rebates are only being offered to schools that currently use NV Energy services, which are the schools in town and Paradise Valley Elementary School. The other rural schools are on the Harney Electric system.

Assistant Superintendent Dave Jensen said it was possible to purchase the systems for $280,000 each; the district is applying for rebates to the tune of $250,000 per system.  As a matter of fact, the language of the motion was such that if the rebates are not at least $250,000/per system the district would not pursue the project.

The district is applying for nine rebates but may only receive four or five, Jensen said, and added the systems would not produce enough electricity to power an entire school but the savings would be significant.

With the board's approval, district administration will move forward in attempting to obtain the rebates.

Written by Dee Holzel - Silver Pinyon Journal - 3/25/10

• Winnemucca News