CITY OF WACO’S FIRST SOLAR SYSTEM
On March 23rd, some 300 Wacoans celebrated
the grand opening of the 25th Street Fire Station. They applauded
the preserved historic architecture, improved department headquarters,
community meeting space, and anchor for
neighborhood enhancement. But the most crucial
feature of this beautiful new complex went unrecognized—the first installation
of rooftop solar by the City of Waco!
The panels weren’t noticed because the top surface of
the largely flat, lofty roofs was difficult to see. But careful examination of the “Fire Station
6” building, at the back of the complex,
revealed the typical edges of the black solar panels, and City staff confirmed
that 84 photovoltaic panels had indeed been installed. We sincerely congratulate the City for this rooftop
solar system. It will provide all of the
benefits of distributed solar, and it stands as the first concrete evidence of the City’s commitment to
combating the climate crisis.
How did this solar system materialize? In March 2018, Waco Friends of the Climate (FOC) presented a 10-minute
slide show to the City Council on the severe dangers of the climate crisis, and
called for robust City action to combat this existential threat. This was
supported by about 1,500 petition signatures requesting that the City pledge
net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. After two years of relentless presentations by
the FOC on climate crisis impacts and
solutions, the City Council announced in
2020 that the 25th Street Station WOULD incorporate rooftop solar. Although some City staff and Councilpersons
supported alternative energy projects,
it is clear that citizen warnings about the climate crisis and advocacy for
renewable energy solutions provided a powerful impetus for this adoption of
clean energy technology.
How will this photovoltaic system benefit
Waco? Once the
invertors, which convert panel DC current into usable AC current, are installed,
the solar system will be operational. It
is projected to produce 46,000 kilowatt-hours
annually, or 46% of the facility’s electricity needs. Since cities produce approximately 70% of
global GHG emissions, these 46,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, devoid of
planet warming carbon dioxide (CO2), are vital to the scientific mandate of
reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In
addition, by monthly savings on the City’s electricity bill, the solar system
eventually will pay for itself. After
that, the system is profitable, producing free electricity from the sun. Additional benefits of photovoltaic systems include strengthening of
the grid, avoiding power loss of lengthy transmission, lowering maintenance cost (biannual cleaning), and
creating installation jobs. (Note the Solar Energy Technology program at TSTC
Waco). Finally, through its example, the
City of Waco can be a powerful leader, inspiring others to install solar
systems.
Who should install photovoltaic systems in
Waco? Unfortunately, the
amount of rooftop solar in Waco lags that of many other sunny cities. For comparison, in November 2018, Google
Project Sunroof found that Waco had 66 solar installations, and Orange, CA
(with similar population) had 2,100 installations. For all those considering solar systems,
remember that tax credits remain available:
26% of system cost in 2022, 22% in 2023, and 0% in 2024. Widespread distributed solar is mandatory in
mankind’s greatest challenge of the climate and features of various sectors are
noted below.
- Governments. All the small towns and suburbs surrounding Waco should follow in the footsteps of the City, and benefit from Waco’s experience.
- Residences. Electricity produced beyond that used by the home during peak production hours is credited to the homeowner’s bill through net metering. By adding a battery to the system, solar owners have a source of backup power during local power outages, which are likely to increase in frequency. Further, solar systems typically increase home resale value by 4%.
- Businesses. As noted above, photovoltaic systems are excellent long term business investments. In addition, solar is a component of corporate climate responsibility, with major corporations, such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, being powered by clean energy.
- Churches. Solar systems are perfect for the “creation care,” emphasized by many faiths. In fact, “Interfaith Power & Light” is a multi-denominational organization which broadly addresses the climate crisis, including through some 770 U.S. congregations with rooftop panels. In Waco, Lake Shore Baptist Church should be applauded for its 2015 solar system installation, apparently one of the first church systems in the state. We encourage all congregations in Waco to strongly consider going solar—to save money and to protect our fragile planet.
- Schools. Schools that invest in photovoltaic systems provide concrete evidence that they care for the future of our climate—and thus the future of their students. Without a livable planet, the future for current students is indeed bleak—no matter how superior their education. In addition, solar systems are excellent living laboratories for students in math, chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental science, and solar technology. In the Waco area, Rapoport Academy, Hallsburg ISD, Live Oak Classical School, and McLennan County Community College are the only schools with photovoltaic systems, to my knowledge. Baylor University’s image seriously needs solar energy, and all schools in Waco would benefit from this technology.
- But aren’t we preoccupied with the acute emergency in Ukraine? Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian victims of Russian aggression, and humanitarian aid now is vital. But the intense scaling up of solar and all renewable energies must continue uninterrupted. Through this we mitigate the climate crisis while weakening Putin and other petrostate despots who threaten world peace.
What are the next steps? Since solar panel
projects are a win-win for the City budget and for the climate, we recommend
including solar in all new City construction, and adding solar to one pre-existing
City building (with suitable roof) each year.
In addition, an ordinance requiring solar on new commercial construction of medium to
large businesses would be a robust start to involving non-governmental
buildings.
But first, and for less than $30, the City should
install vivid yard signs, proclaiming with pride the presence of photovoltaic
panels on the roof of Fire Station #6—setting a compelling example for everyone
in Waco.
Comments
Post a Comment