Springboro park shelter to become solar-power collector

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By Lawrence Budd, Staff Writer Updated 3:55 AM Saturday, May 1, 2010

SPRINGBORO — Next month, the roof of Shelter B at Springboro’s Community Park is to become a solar-power collector.

City officials want to install eight photovoltaic panels there in the first phase of a $189,000 switch-over to solar power at the city’s five parks.

“It’s something the city wants to embrace,” Assistant City Manager Chris Pozzuto said. “We hope to be a regional leader in green initiatives around the Miami Valley.”

Springboro expects to offset costs with a $93,170 grant through the Ohio Department of Development’s Advanced Energy Fund, which has provided $41.9 million to 400 projects.

It would be the first grant awarded to a business or institution in Warren County and the largest to a local government in the Miami Valley, according to the Ohio Department of Development.

“It is a first-come, first-serve program,” said Christina Panoska, the department’s energy education and marketing manager.

The system, to be installed by Cincinnati-based Icon Solar Power, is expected in pay for itself in five years and last for 25 years. The city expects to eliminate monthly costs of about $5,500 for electricity at its five parks, while earning solar energy renewal credits and selling excess electricity to Duke Power.

A $2,500 grant from Duke and $2,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Springboro will cut the cost of the first phase to $225.

“For 25 years we know we can generate this power and save taxpayer dollars,” Pozzuto said. “Pretty good deal if you ask me.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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