The Homewood-Flossmoor Park Board took the first step Tuesday, Oct. 21, to go green, install a new roof and reduce utility costs by having solar panels installed at the Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W 183rd St. in Homewood.
The park district currently pays 0.130 kWh (kilowatt hour). If the project moves forward, the new rate would be 0.113 kWh with a 3% annual increase.
Park commissioners signed a letter of intent with General Energy Corporation to begin the process. If initial findings are favorable, the park board will sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with General Energy.
One of the first steps is a structural analysis of the roof to see if it will support the weight of the panels. Cheryl Vargo, Irons Oaks manager who has been researching solar options, said each panel adds four pounds per square foot. Also, General Energy will apply to ComEd for a connection so the solar energy can be dispersed on the electric grid. Vargo said those two steps could take about three months.
With positive results, the park board will be asked to sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with General Energy Corp. The company will be responsible for installation of the new roof, connections agreements, materials, installation and maintenance of the solar panels for 20 years. When the 20-year agreement expires, the park district would have the option of purchasing the solar panels, or the PPA would be responsible for removing them.
If the racquet club structure is deemed unsuitable for solar panels, the park district will be billed for the structural analysis of about $6,500.
Illinois has a 2030 goal that 40% of the state’s energy needs will come from renewable sources. Solar provides a clean and reliable source of electricity that helps reduce energy expenses and helps reduce greenhouse gases.
Vargo has investigated solar panels for both the racquet club and the H-F Ice Arena. A General Energy Corporation analysis suggested the number of solar panels it could place on the racquet club roof would fulfill 100% of the power needs, but the ice arena could handle fewer solar panels that would generate only a 31% benefit.
