Over that decade, the 70 kilowatt solar generation system has the potential to cut the fair board’s electric bill by $36,000, he said.
“Energy costs are going to go up no matter what, and this is one of the ways our board is looking at dealing with it,” Hess said, adding that it also shows the fair board’s commitment to environmental issues.
Once the panel is running, a website would be set up so teachers and members of the public can learn about solar power by monitoring the panel’s output.
Mike Dickman, SolarVision vice president of construction, said his company makes money off the panels by offsetting their costs with state grants and tax incentives for renewable energy. They have undertaken similar projects in Ohio, including at an elementary school in Worthington and a community center in Athens.
SolarVision’s CEO is Greg Kuss, son of the late Richard Kuss, well-known local philanthropist and businessman.
Hess said Clark County would be the first fair board in the state to undertake such a program, and that will be on display as the panel will be visible from Interstate 70.
Commissioners applauded the idea Tuesday. “This is a very innovative way of dealing with the problems of the future,” said commission President Roger Tackett.
Hess said the fair board pays roughly $100,000 a year for electricity. He said the sheep barn was chosen because it is best situated for solar power. But the other barns are parallel to it, so there’s a chance solar panels can be added to them in the future.
Hess said the fair board will likely sign an agreement with SolarVision in the next few weeks and the panel could be up and running by spring.
County commissioners also Tuesday approved a plan to pay half of a $300,000 upgrade of the electric poles and transformers at the fairgrounds over three years. The other half will be covered by the Convention Facilities Authority.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.
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