ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – During the height of summer, keeping homes powered can strain electric companies.
Add in a bad storm, and power outages may occur. Some believe solar energy could be the solution.
When you flush your toilet, it likely goes to a water treatment facility like the one in Northwest Orange County. The Northwest Water Reclamation Facility requires substantial energy to treat water for reuse, such as lawn irrigation. The facility’s electricity bill can reach around $100,000 a month, funded by taxpayer dollars.
This is where solar energy plays a role. Orange County receives credits from the solar installation, implemented a year ago, to power the plant.
On Thursday, Orange County celebrated its savings.
Mayor Demings told News 6, “By investing this $4 million into this facility, we will receive a return on that investment of approximately $400,000 annually in savings. And then we’ll get some money back because we’re making this investment in sustainability.”
The two-megawatt ground-mounted solar array consists of over 4,000 panels covering more than 10 acres, generating up to 60% of the plant’s power.
For years, Floridians have debated the value of installing solar panels. Considerations include monthly electricity bills, roof condition, sun exposure, and long-term residence plans. It’s advisable to consult multiple solar panel companies. Federal solar tax credits can offer cost breaks of up to 30% for installations, though there is talk of phasing out these incentives.
Mayor Demings assured, “The federal government, I can assure you, will be interested in solar because it is the future. Innovation with energy and clean energy sources is going to be the wave of the future.”
Orange County has pledged to try to use 100% renewable energy by 2035.
