Solar energy at Lansdale pools can reduce operating costs, offset electric use

As I noted in a prior musing, over the next several months council and myself will be reviewing and considering plans to renovate and improve our pools in the hopes of bringing these critical community assets up to modern standards. To accomplish this important investment it is possible, maybe even likely, that Lansdale will need to borrow against a municipal bond to fund the redevelopment.

Since I have been in office, it has been my position that if we are going to borrow money, we need to do it in coordination with the intent of decreasing our electric purchase costs to help maximize the value of our municipal electric investments. The opportunity to renovate and improve the pools through bond borrowing also opens the opportunity to increase our solar power development. By doing so, we can create a dual benefit: enhancing community amenities while simultaneously reducing long-term energy costs and promoting environmental sustainability.

As expressed in the prior musing, public pools are invaluable community assets. They contribute to the physical and mental well-being of the community, offering a space for families to gather, children to learn to swim, and residents to engage in healthy activities. Investing in new pools or upgrading existing ones will greatly enhance the quality of life in our municipality.

However, the financial challenge of operating these facilities, particularly in terms of energy costs, is not insignificant (about $23,000 in a five-month period). This is where the integration of solar power can play a major role. By shifting toward solar energy, we can dramatically reduce the operating costs of our pools. In application, this could include installing solar panels on the roofs of pool facilities or nearby open spaces can generate clean, renewable energy.

The benefits of expanding solar power generation go beyond the immediate cost savings. Continuing to invest in solar infrastructure positions our community at the forefront of green energy development and opens up all kinds of grant opportunities. It also aligns with broader state and national goals of reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. As a municipal electric provider, we are in a unique position to directly contribute to these larger efforts while also building critical system redundances that will help maintain critical infrastructure during emergency events. Each year we review our “energy mix” and it would be fantastic to continue to expand our green energy percentage as we invest across our infrastructure.

The long-term economic benefits of this approach cannot be overstated. While the initial investment in solar power may be significant, the ROI for a municipal electric provider, like Lansdale, will be substantial. Over time, the savings on energy, specifically transfer, costs will grow dramatically, freeing up tax dollars for other critical projects and services. Additionally, by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices, our municipality can attract environmentally conscious businesses and residents, further boosting local economic growth.

As we consider the opportunity of bond borrowing to fund the construction or renovation of public pools, we should seize the opportunity to incorporate solar power generation into this initiative or alongside it. This forward-thinking approach will, ultimately, deliver benefits well beyond the initial investment while additionally helping to create a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community that will thrive 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 are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)