The City of Jefferson heard a presentation from Red Lion Renewables for a proposed solar power project with the intention to cut down energy cost for the city. CEO and Founder for Red Lion Renewables Terry Dvorak says the company has constructed and operates solar panels at 50 different school and city locations across Iowa, including the City of Perry with rooftop and canopy solar arrays at ten city facilities. Dvorak says the Perry project completed in 2022 will be very similar to the one that is being proposed for the City of Jefferson.
Red Lion Renewables would file permits to build solar arrays for the proposed meters around town through Alliant Energy, bringing down Jefferson’s greenhouse emissions, getting closer to a net-zero goal. Red Lions Renewables funds the project through investors that obtain tax credits, as cities are not considered eligible for those specific credits. Dvorak says the city would essentially have no ties to the project, once completed.
Dvorak says they reviewed all 47 meters throughout Jefferson, and there are 11 that have potential at eight locations.
Other locations include the library on the roof, canopy by the swimming pool, the street shop and water plant tied together, animal shelter on the roof, lift and pump station and potentially the golf course pending any changes to the clubhouse. The roof mounts would all be ballasted system and will be capable of sustaining 110 miles per hour (MPH) wind gust. Canopy and ground arrays would be at least seven feet off the ground to avoid the need to build a fence around the panels. Dvorak says construction will need to start by June with investors utilizing tax credits. The city would enter into a power purchase agreement with Red Lions Renewables, and grant easements to the company to place the panels on city owned property. The first step to grant the easements is to hold a public hearing, which the council scheduled for Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. It will be after that public hearing on whether the council will approve a resolution to grant the easements and enter into the agreement. Additional details can be found using the link included below.
