Project Features Solar Canopy and Roof-Mounted Solar Arrays. Expected to Reduce Electricity Costs by 80%
The Village of Mt. Zion, adjacent to Decatur, IL, has awarded a solar project to Tick Tock Energy for the installation of solar panel systems three City buildings: the Convention Center, Public Works building, and at Fletcher Park’s Splash Pad swimming venue.
- What does the project entail? Metal roof-mounted solar arrays rated at 114 kiloWatts (kW) will be installed at the Village Hall Convention Center and 24 kW at Public Works building. A 33 kW solar canopy will be implemented at Fletcher Park.
- The anticipated benefits? Adding solar will save Mt. Zion residents over a million dollars throughout the life of the solar panel systems, while simultaneously providing much-needed shade to the public splash pad via the solar canopy.
- Why implement a solar canopy? Similar to solar carports, solar pavilions offer an alternative to roof-mounted solar panels, generating electricity while providing protection against the elements. Solar shade structures allow light transmittance, yet also block harmful, hot sun rays. The solar canopy provides a clean appearance with all hidden wiring, allowing community members to enjoy protection from the weather. As durable as roof-mounted solar panels, a solar canopy is expected to produce electricity for 30+ years, delivering value and clean energy production.
Tick Tock Energy is excited to work on this public sector project, installing a mechanically water-tight and aesthetically pleasing Infinity Rack solar canopy at the splash pad and three hundred and eight (308) Talesun bifacial roof-mounted panels between the public works building and village hall. Solar Edge 3 phase inverters will efficiently convert sunlight into DC energy.
James Mathews, Tick Tock Energy Sales Consultant, says, “the highlight of this project is the dual-use aspect, creating shade for the splash pad and providing power for the recreational center.”
Julie Miller, the Village Administrator of Mt. Zion agrees, indicating she is excited about the Fletcher Park free-standing solar panel structure that will provide a shaded picnic table area while saving taxpayers money on utility costs. “Sixty to eighty kids play on the splash pad on warm spring and summer days, and their parents want to sit in the shade. It will be a welcome asset to the park.”
While over 2200 square feet of shade for the splash pad is an exciting aspect of the project, the main reasons for moving forward were the current solar project incentives, and the long-term savings, according to Miller. In fact, the project is timed to take advantage of maximum tax and incentive options, cutting the upfront project cost significantly. While it’s often said that, ‘if it seems too good to be true, it probably is…’ in this case, Miller says, “the savings are real!”
In fact, over 70% of the solar installation will be paid for by incentives, including federal direct-pay tax credit for non-profits, the Ameren Smart Inverter Rebate, and the Illinois Shines SREC incentive. Miller also indicates, “the payback period is so quick that it was very attractive to the Village Board.”
Yet another advantage of the solar canopy is that the electricity generated may serve as a buffer for future cost increases. The Village of Mt. Zion saw a 40%+ utility rate increase this summer, but Miller expects the new solar installations will “save a lot of money for taxpayers over the life of the systems,” offsetting future inflation costs and similar utility rate hikes. In fact, Miller forecasts that the 3 solar installations may actually save the village more money than projections indicate, depending on how much utility prices actually increase over the 30+ year life of the system.
Mathews also emphasized the long-term energy savings the solar investment will achieve for the Village of Mt. Zion. While protecting residents from the elements, the solar canopy will be generating power, reducing the utility bill by 70%. The additional roof-mounted solar panels on the convention center and public works buildings will reduce the electricity bill by 88% and 83% respectively, resulting in an overall offset of 80%+. Ultimately, Mt. Zion will save tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Considering Solar for Your Home or Business? Solar canopies enhance residential and commercial property value, generating clean energy and providing protection for vehicles or outdoor spaces. Reach out to Tick Tock Energy today! We deliver quality solar installations and develop unique solar solutions to meet specific goals.
Proud to be an 11-time Top Solar Contractor, Tick Tock Energy offers commercial & industrial, farm, and residential customers solar systems with long-lasting value, turning Sunshine into Cashflow!SM Tick Tock Energy’s mission is to educate, inspire, and motivate individuals and businesses to pursue greater energy independence. More information is available at www.ticktockenergy.com or by calling (217) 994-9020.
