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Stephenson County seeks solar proposals for jail site to reduce electrical costs
Summary
The county authorized a request for proposals to install solar panels on the east end of the jail property; the sheriff is supportive and the county expects no upfront cost in many proposals, with possible lease payments or discounts on generated power.
Stephenson County authorized staff to solicit proposals from solar companies to install panels on the east side of the county jail property, aiming to reduce the facility's electrical expenses.
A board member said he had asked the sheriff about the idea and that the sheriff "is open to that." Georgia (staff) prepared a request for proposals to gauge interest from solar companies, the board was told. "I've asked the sheriff if he would be open to having solar panels put out in the empty space on the east end of the property at the jail, and he is open to that. So I believe Georgia put the RFD together," the board member said.
Board members asked about costs and savings. The presenter said proposals vary but often require little or no upfront cost to the county and can include lease payments for panel placement and discounted electricity for the site. "Usually, there is no cost... you'd get a lease payment for the panels being there, and then you'd also be able to subscribe to get a discount on the electric that's generated there if it's used at the jail," the presenter said.
The board moved and approved the request to solicit proposals; the motion was recorded as moved by Mister Kenneth and seconded by Mister Noon and carried by voice vote. No procurement dollar amounts or specific vendors were approved at the meeting; the item was limited to authorizing outreach to potential vendors.
