Buncombe County


Schools to look at solar energy options


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a053785@allstate.com Solar panels, like these at AB-Emblem, could occupy local school roofs in the future.


By Matt Tate Te new high schools in Bun-


combe County are getting old. Te Buncombe County Schools


system is evaluating steps to replace HVAC systems in several schools, and the Board of Education have asked school officials to look into the possibilities of installing photo- voltaic or thermal-powered units. Te first school in need of a re-


placement is Enka High School fol- lowed by North Buncombe High School, according to Tim Fierle, director of facilities and planning for Buncombe County Schools. Mike Nicklas with Innovative


Design, based in Raleigh, present- ed the benefits of these renewable energy systems to the board Mon- day (Feb. 7). With the tax credits and renew-


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12 THE TRIBUNE/LEADER - February 10 - February 16, 2011


able energy credit sales accrued from installation and usage, the solar-infused units are profit pro-


www.weavervilletribune.com


ducers for the owner. “It’s positive cash flow from day


one,” Nicklas said. Because of the potential for rev-


enue, solar developers will absorb the various costs for installing a system and enter into a long-term lease with the owner of the space, he added. After a period of roughly six years, Nicklas advised the own- er of the space should purchase the unit at a fair market value and con- tinue reaping the remaining tax


credits and REC sales. He said by year 20, the system


would be generating annual profits up to 50 percent of its cost. Because of a first-year, 100-per-


cent bonus depreciation clause in effect for units installed by Jan. 1, 2012, the schools will look at sev- eral mitigating factors, including the condition of the roof, to deter- mine if it is feasible for a unit to be put in at Enka by the end of the year.


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