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Solar Panels Not Lowering National Guard's Power Bills

Posted: 7:01 AM Apr 4, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Solar panels installed at three Nevada
National Guard sites around the state haven't lowered utility bills.

The state Board of Examiners on Tuesday approved the Department of Military's request to seek $46,000 from a contingency fund to pay for projected power costs for the rest of the fiscal year.

Under a 20-year contract with Sierra Solar One, the company installed the panels at its own cost and charges 15 cents per kilowatt hour for the power generated to recoup costs.

When the contract was signed about two years ago, NV Energy rates were a quarter-penny less, so the deal was inviting.

But current commercial rates are 11 cents a kilowatt hour, meaning the solar power is costing the state more money than if it purchased electricity directly from NV Energy.