Mayoral Musings: The Power of Local Solar

Mayor Garry Herbert•

Over the last several years our community has made impressive strides in harnessing and deploying solar energy. By the end of August, Lansdale will achieve the impressive milestone of reaching two gigawatts (GW) of power generation from our owned and operated systems. This achievement brings numerous benefits, including significant cost savings, environmental protection, and increased energy security.

By the end of last month, the solar panels had already generated 1.82 GW of clean energy. The anticipated output for August will help the borough surpass the two GW mark. This progress has resulted in the creation of 2000 Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) credits, valued at $40 each, totaling $80,000 returned to the grant agency. Moreover, by utilizing solar power at the current residential rate of $0.1651 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the borough estimates savings of $330,200 over 30 months, equivalent to around $11,000 per month. The wholesale rate of $0.08107 per kWh also brings considerable savings of $162,140 over 30 months, approximately $5,400 per month.

These savings not only benefit the borough financially, but also alleviate the burden on taxpayers.

As I have discussed in previous musings, solar power allows Lansdale Borough to produce its own sustainable energy, reducing reliance on external sources. This independence is crucial as it helps shield the community from the volatile natural gas market, which predominantly powers Pennsylvania. By investing in solar panels, the borough mitigates the risks associated with unpredictable energy prices, ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply for residents.

Additionally, solar energy plays a vital role in preserving the environment. Lansdale Borough's transition to solar power significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Unlike conventional energy sources, such as natural gas and coal, solar power generates clean energy without producing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment to environmental sustainability helps combat climate change, improves air quality, and safeguards the borough's natural surroundings for future generations.

While some may wonder why reduced rates are not immediately apparent, it's important to understand that the savings generated by solar energy are being used to repay the initial investment in the solar panel project, which amounted to $1.5 million (we originally estimated to break even after seven years, however, due to better than projected production, we now anticipate hitting that mark in five years). As always, Lansdale Borough aims to maintain transparency and fair pricing. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the overall cost of power continues to rise. By embracing solar energy, the borough can offset these increasing costs and ensure long-term stability. This enables residents to enjoy affordable electricity without relying on extensive borrowing, ultimately reducing the financial burden on the community.

Our commitment to solar energy and the development of solar panels is proving to be a smart investment in the long term for our community. The impressive progress made so far, with the imminent milestone of reaching two GW, highlights the economic advantages, energy security, and environmental benefits of solar power. By embracing solar energy, Lansdale not only achieves substantial cost savings but also demonstrates its dedication to a sustainable future that our families will inherit. The continued development of solar panels in Lansdale Borough is a vital step toward energy independence, reduced reliance on volatile markets, and ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply for generations to come.

(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)