FREDERICK, Md. — The City of Frederick has announced that the city's police department headquarters will be helping to save over $174,000 in energy costs with a new solar power system.
Secure Solar Futures will develop a 384-kilowatt solar canopy at the headquarters with the project being completed by the end of the year. The project is in partnership with Capital Solar Group. Through the power purchase agreement, the facility will receive solar power equipment at no upfront capital cost to the city. During the 25-year term of the agreement, Secure Solar Futures will own and operate the solar system, providing 100% of the power generated to the city, saving $174,577 in electricity costs.
The police department's solar energy system will be the first solar canopy on a municipal building in the city and the first at a public safety facility in Frederick County.
Within the first year of operation, the system will produce 444,800 kilowatt hours of electric power at the police headquarters, which is enough energy to power 40 average homes. The Frederick Police Department will continue to cover its remaining electricity demand.
“The addition of a solar canopy at the new police department headquarters does not just enhance our operational capabilities; it signifies a bold step towards our climate goals. This project exemplifies our city's commitment to innovation and sustainability. By extending the life of our fleet vehicles and harnessing solar energy, we're reducing our carbon footprint and embracing a solution that benefits our community and the planet. It's a clear demonstration of how we can achieve operational excellence while contributing to a more sustainable future," Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor said.
Each year, the clean energy generated by the solar canopy will avoid the equivalent of 315 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution, which is the same amount produced by 70 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
The solar canopies will not only save money on electricity, but will help protect vehicles from exposure to weather -- reducing effects of rain, snow, sleet, and sun.
After the term of the service agreement, the City of Frederick can take ownership of the solar power system at a nominal cost, producing its own energy for the remainder of the equipment’s 35- to 40-year productive lifespan.
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