Watch. Learn. Act. Repeat.

Ben and I visited the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station to be present for the unveiling of a 30 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar array on the roof of the Ag Station’s Greenhouse Complex. John Sagebiel, the Environmental Affairs Manager here at the University of Nevada, Reno, was kind enough to speak to us about the array and we learned the following:

• The system is the third solar system located on campus (the other two are at the Joe Crowley Student Union and Nye Hall dormitory).
• The Greenhouse Solar system provides an estimated yearly savings of $6,300 (approximately one-tenth the overall energy costs to run the facility).
• Based solely on the installation cost of the project (close to $120k), the system would take nearly 20 years to break even. However, the NV Energy Rebate (in compliance with the state’s Renewable Energy Rebate Program) shortens the monetary recuperation time period dramatically.

The event drew members of the local press and representatives from NV Energy were present as well. We were given a tour of the facilities and were shown a number of the research projects currently underway (one being a V8 engine run on the gasification of wood chips!) In all, the greenhouse facility was very impressive and I was reminded of the amazing potential that exists in our environment and the incredible ability of man to develop new and unique ways to use these resources better our own lives.

We finished the tour by talking to John about the impact of such renewable energy technology of business owners. He had some interesting insights:

• Firstly, the state of the economy has made solar energy contractors hungry – dropping their prices to counter a drop in demand. The final cost of the University Greenhouse Complex solar array was less than half what the estimates were only three years ago. That makes investing in solar energy (and likely other forms of renewable energy) much more viable now as long-term investments than they’ve been in years past.
• Secondly, businesses are able to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit in addition to the state Renewable Energy Rebate.
• John noted the marketing appeal of going green – increased publicity and a positive image has tremendous value.
• Perhaps most importantly though, a company that moves toward energy independence mitigates the effect of energy rate increases in the future, allowing business owners to enjoy more stable expenditures rather than being subject to energy companies and the economic climate. Considering the 25 year warranties on the solar array, the estimated cost savings extend further than I expected into the future.

While the economy pressures many businesses to cut back, those who can take advantage of the falling prices of labor and material have a unique opportunity to invest in renewable energy as a way to insure long term cost savings and improve the public image of one’s company.

Click here to watch a video clip of our interview.