by 
Construction has recently begun at Ray Unified School District on some solar arrays, leaving residents questioning where the funds to build such a project originate.
“The solar panel projects are of no cost to the district,” explained Dr. Robert Dunn, Superintendent of Ray Schools.
The money for the solar system came from a federal stimulus energy grant that was part of the American Recovery Act of 2009. It was administered by the Arizona School Facilities Board (ASFB).Construction is being handled by Arizona Public Service.
Dunn has estimated that the new system will save taxpayers more than $400,000 over the next 20 years. “The district will receive approximately $15,000 in savings the first year on their utility costs from APS,” he said. “Then, over the next 20 years, these savings will increase to approximately $29,000.”
A similar system was installed earlier this year at Mountain Vista School in Oracle.
For more information contact Dunn at 520-363-5515, ext. 300.
To comment on this article and others visit the Copper Area News Facebook or send us an email at CBNSun@MinerSunBasin.com
by by