Franklin County solar project helps save $10K annually

By Blake Jackson

A solar battery storage project at the Franklin County Extension Office is set to save taxpayers $10,000 annually on utility bills while providing reliable backup power during emergencies. The installation includes solar arrays and battery storage, which will not only reduce energy costs but also offer significant environmental benefits, such as preventing 86,000 pounds of carbon emissions each year.

“Not only would that keep our building above freezing, so pipes won’t burst and things like that,” said Keenan Bishop, the Franklin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, “we could be a warming center, or also a place to heat up and serve food.”

The project is expected to receive a federal rebate under the Inflation Reduction Act, covering 40% of the $165,000 installation cost. Over the first few decades of operation, the county anticipates net savings exceeding $225,000. This investment in solar and battery storage exemplifies how counties can enhance their climate resilience.

“Batteries enable the building to become sort of an island if the grid goes down – and so when the grid goes down, a switch is thrown,” said Andy McDonald, director of Apogee Climate and Energy Transitions. “It disconnects the building from the grid, and the batteries automatically become the power source for the building.”

“They can benefit by getting information from people that are actually involved in this,” said David Gomez, owner of Daily Green Power. “And you know, not just following what you may see in the on the internet.”

While most residential solar systems don’t include batteries, the growing importance of battery storage is evident, as it ensures continuous power when the grid is down.

Photo Credit: istock-shansekala