Help from the Sun
Work is well under way on the installation of solar panels on Brownstown Township buildings, one of several environment-friendly initiatives that the Downtown Development Authority is supporting. At left are Rauhorn Electric employees Randy Franzel (left) and Andy Dueweke, who are members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58. The contractors are installing the panels on an awning connected to Township Hall, the roof of existing pavilion near the Community Center, the roof of the Police Station carport and on a ground mount near the Fire Station.
Solar panels, retrofit projects help save energy and cut costs
Several Brownstown Township municipal facilities will become more environment-friendly and cost effective to operate thanks to a combination of energy-saving projects being initiated this spring.
The two-pronged effort includes the installation of several solar panels and the retrofitting of other energy- saving devices at various township facilities.
All totaled, the effort is expected to generate approximately $33,700 in yearly energy savings.
Although funded primarily by the Downtown Development Authority, the project also will be the beneficiary of DTE Energy financial incentives that will decrease the up-front costs by 26 percent and provide additional savings on power usage, said Joe DiSanto, manager of economic development.
The total project cost is $526,572, but nearly $281,000 will offset by the various up-front and ongoing DTE incentives, leaving the DDA with a net cost of about $245,572.
The bid for solar panel portion of the project has been awarded to Rauhorn Electric in a partnership with Michigan Solar Solutions. The contractors will install the new panels on an awning connected to Township Hall, the roof of existing pavilion near the Community Center, the roof of the Police Station carport and on a ground mount near the Fire Station.
The awning at Township Hall also is expected to produce additional efficiencies by providing shade on the south side of the building.
The contractor performing the retrofit portion of the project is J. Ranck Electric. The company will install a combination of occupancy sensors, new lighting and timers — all of which are aimed at decreasing energy use.
The buildings involved are Township Hall, the Community Center, the Department of Public Works, the Police Station and the Fire Station.
The retrofitting project has an estimated return on investment of less than 5 ½ years.