STOCKTON, Calif. — A new project approved by San Joaquin County supervisors is expected to save the county nearly $142 million over the next 25 years.
At a recent board meeting supervisors passed a three-year plan to add solar panels to 12 county-owned buildings. The facilities set to receive the solar panels include the Sheriff’s Office, new District Attorney’s office, Stockton Metropolitan Airport and San Joaquin General Hospital.
“The 12 projects slated for this year represent an opportunity for local builders and contractors to compete for County business,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Rickman in a statement. “We recognize the good work of our local businesses and workers and welcome an opportunity to partner with them to make San Joaquin County stronger and greener.”
In addition to saving the county millions of dollars, the project is also expected to reduce the county's greenhouse gas emissions by 6,360 tons annually.
The project will cost the county nearly $28.8 million, half of which will be returned to the county through state and federal rebates.
“Rising energy prices represent an on-going cost and opportunity for savings,” said Rickman in his statement. “This Board is committed to innovation and efficiency. This project pays for itself in just five years, which represents 25 years of savings on energy costs for our taxpayers.”
The same project will bring HVAC upgrades to 10 county buildings and other projects such as lighting improvements to 18 facilities. The non-solar panel projects are expected to cost $46.7 million.
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