I am not against solar power. However, I am against it if does not make economic or practical sense. I was a certified energy manager, and using taxpayer’s money to build and maintain a losing project, is unacceptable.
I read with interest the Enterprise article concerning the probe into Energy Future Task Force. I did tell the Commissioners on 3/12 that I thought it was a conflict of interest for Joe DeFors. However, but my concern is with energy…not investigations. The following items need to be asked and told to Commissioners:
Q: How does Leelanau County rate for solar energy availability in United States?
Ans: On an ascending 1-5 scale, Leelanau is a 1…very worst!
Q: What is the yearly cost to maintain a solar array?
Ans: Nat’l Renewable Energy Lab states $31/yr per installed kilowatt.
Q: Why weren’t the Commissioners informed of the actual yearly savings… after expenses?
Ans: $35k/yr forecast savings, minus $11k/yr expenses equals $24k/yr.
Q: What is the length of payback for this project?
Ans: 31 years using the $1.1 million project at stated $35 k/yr savings.
Ans: However, 46 years when required maintenance is included.
Q: If you or investors had the money, would you invest in this project and sell the electricity for profit?
Ans: No…because of the 31-46 year payback!
Q: What is it going to cost to upgrade or rebuild the solar array at end-of-life?
Ans: Tens of thousands…no one on the Board will be there then (20-25 yrs).
This is a terrible project, in a terrible location, with terrible annual expenses, and use of valuable employee time. Our local government should not be involved in the generation of electricity…it does not have the spare money, time or skills. Leave generation to the utilities. Besides, this is a money losing project for this area. Also, keep in mind that the grant monies are not free…we all are paying for it and adding to our inflation.
About the author: John Popa is a retired professional engineer with 20 to 30 years of experience in electrical energy generation and distribution. He lives in Bingham Township.
