Town explores solar array project to cut energy costs and enhance sustainability

The Town of Batesburg-Leesville held a Special Council Meeting and Work Session on January 27, 2025, focusing on a proposed solar energy project aimed at reducing electricity costs for the town's facility. The discussions centered around a grant application submitted last year for a solar array that would be installed adjacent to the facility, with the potential to significantly lower energy bills.

The project is expected to be funded through a combination of grant money and municipal funds. The Central Midlands Council of Governments (COG) is anticipated to cover approximately 60% of the project costs, while the town would be responsible for the remaining expenses. Initial estimates suggest that the project could lead to a payback period of around 3.5 years with grant support, compared to a 13-year payback if the town were to finance the project independently.

During the meeting, officials discussed the logistics of the solar array, including the size of the land to be utilized, which is estimated to be around 12.9 acres, although the actual area used for solar panels may be smaller. The project is expected to take between 18 months to two years from initial expenditure to completion, depending on contract structuring and the approval process with the local electric utility, Dominion Energy.

Concerns were raised regarding the upfront costs, with estimates indicating that the town may need to temporarily carry around $430,000 in expenses before receiving reimbursements from the IRS, which could take 9 to 15 months. The council discussed the implications of these financial responsibilities and the potential for using bonds to manage costs.

The solar project is seen not only as a means to reduce energy expenses but also as an environmentally friendly initiative that aligns with broader sustainability goals. The council emphasized the importance of monitoring the performance of the solar panels and ensuring that maintenance considerations are addressed, particularly in light of potential weather-related damages.

As the town prepares to move forward with this project, officials highlighted the need for continued collaboration with the COG and Dominion Energy to finalize the details and ensure the project's success. The council plans to keep the community informed as the project progresses, with hopes of initiating the process in the upcoming fiscal year.