Solar panels have been installed on Dolores Town Hall. An electric car charging station was also installed. There is no cost to charge. (Courtesy Shaw Solar)
Electric car charger also installed at Town Hall
Dolores government buildings are now being powered by the sun.
Panels were recently installed on Dolores Town Hall, public works shop and wastewater facility.
The panels provide a total of 126 kilowatts of power. The panels were installed by Shaw Solar, which leases them to the town.
Solar power is sold to the town at a fixed rate over the 25 years, representing an energy savings of about 3% per year. The panels are warrantied for 25 years.
During the 25-year lease, the solar arrays would generate estimated energy savings of $140,000 for the sewer plant, $78,000 for the public works shop and $17,000 for Town Hall.
Solar panels have been installed to help power the waste water treatment plant in Dolores. (Courtesy Shaw Solar)
The buildings with the solar panels will be tied into Empire Electric service grid, and continue to have reliable power.
The town received a grant from the Department of Local Affairs to pay for 75% of the system cost.
The town of Dolores has also installed a Level II Electric Vehicle charging station at Dolores Town Hall, 420 Central Ave. The town is offering the service free of charge.
The town of Dolores has installed a public electric car charger in front of Town Hall. The charging station is free. (Courtesy photo)