Big Bear lake, CA, November 14, 2014 – Not long ago, the City of Big Bear Lake put together a design/build solar contract that was partially funded by U.S. Department of Energy grant funding. The original solar projects proposed by the city, which include the new solar parking kiosks in the lower lot at the Civic Center which will generate more than 50% of the building’s electricity, came in under budget. The excess grant funds would be lost if not used, which prompted DWP General Manager Reggie Lamson to suggest installing solar panels on the 4200 square feet of south facing roof on the DWP’s office building.
Once it was determined that the solar project would be feasible, the City added the DWP project as a second amendment to the original contract. The grant funded half of the $303,000 project cost with the rest coming from DWP reserves. The solar panels are expected to offset the annual $38,000 per year electricity bill by $26,000, making the payback period about six years. The panels should be operational as of tomorrow.
If you’re curious how much solar energy is being produced, there is a display screen in the lobby of the office building showing current solar energy production.
