While far from common, solar panels are starting to become more popular in Westerville.
Safex, an environmental, health and safety consulting firm located at 140 N. Otterbein Ave., was the second participant in a pilot program to have a Smart Grid system installed.
Michele Blaney, marketing communication coordinator, said the program was a “no brainer” and compliments Safex’s goal of providing sustainability in the work place.
“(Sustainability) is what we believe in, so now it’s time to walk the walk,” she said.
Smart Grid is a system that aims to lower energy costs by installing energy management appliances that integrate solar energy with energy storage and load management. At Safex, 15 rooftop solar panels collect energy that is sent to batteries located in what looks like a small refrigerator.
“The goal is to take us off the grid during peak hours (when energy costs are the most expensive) and instead use solar energy,” Blaney said.
The system is part of a pilot project in Westerville that will include seven sites — one city facility, one residential and five commercial buildings. Through an American Public Power Association grant, the city funds the installation of the appliances at an estimated cost of $22,000 while consumers fund $30,000 for the installation of the solar arrays.
Participants may be eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent, which would lower the cost to $21,000. Cost could be kept even lower because in October or November, Westerville will learn if it is approved for federal stimulus program money, said Westerville Electric Utility Manager Andy Boatright.
Boatright said a Smart Grid system should pay for itself through energy savings at a residence in 15 to 20 years.
Commercial properties could see that return in 2-5 years. Both estimates were conservative, Boatright said, because they are based on current energy rates and future rates are expected to rise.
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