WASHINGTON – Federal Aviation Administration to pay almost $4 million
WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration will pay nearly $4 million for its largest solar power project to date, upgrading an air traffic control and training center in Oklahoma.
The agency said Thursday the project will help it meet President Joe Biden’s order for government buildings to use 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030.
The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City includes more than 130 buildings spread across 1,100 acres.
“This project takes advantage of the area’s abundant sunlight, will save valuable taxpayer dollars and help build a more sustainable aviation system,” said Billy Nolen, acting FAA administrator.
The FAA said the panels are expected to generate enough power for 260 average homes and reduce the center’s electric bill by $170,000 to $200,000 a year.
At an initial cost of $3.98 million, the panels will take 20 to 23 years to pay for themselves.
Residential solar power system installations
The Prince William County Department of Development Services has announced that a new residential solar energy system installation training video and presentation is available online. A panel of experts shares step-by-step instructions on the plan intake process, quality control, county review and approval, and offers guidance on solar energy system installation plan requirements.
“Solar contractors and the number of permit applications have increased tenfold in recent years. As market demand has increased, so has the volume of new contractors and consultants entering the solar market,” said Wade A. Hugh, Director of the Development Services Department. “We want to make sure that all contractors and homeowners are familiar with the process of installing solar energy systems in Prince William County, as many entrepreneurs in this market are still gaining knowledge and experience.”
The Department of Development Services presented three solar installation training seminars, which were held over three days in August. Thirty-eight attendees, representing thirty-one different solar companies, participated in the training. The training presentation is available online here and on video here. Both can be found at pwcva.gov/residentialsolar.
Currently, there are approximately eighty solar contractors in the area and working in Prince William County. Twenty-one solar energy project plans are approved in Prince William County each month, on average. In the first half of 2022, Prince William County approved 147 solar power installation projects.
“As demand increases, advances in emerging technology come to market and homeowners spend more time in their homes, it is vital that safety is a shared priority for all parties: contractors, consultants, homeowners, occupants, guests and for others, such as, for example, fire and rescue services,” said Eric Mays, Prince William County building official. “The training will improve contractors’ knowledge and ability to obtain building permits efficiently and ultimately benefit our homeowners.”
Over the past five years, more than 820 homeowners have installed solar energy systems on their homes. Last year, the Department of Development Services launched a new residential solar energy systems checklist. The county offers online residential solar information and instructions, typical plans and solar energy system tax exemptions for solar energy equipment, installations or devices. There are three typical plans: Structural Roof Mounted Solar Panel Plans; Small Single Inverter System Plans; and Small Microinverter/AC System Plans.
