Community Corner
Sunsmart Ames Community Solar Groundbreaking Is July 24
Implementing a community solar project has been a long-established goal of the Ames City Council.
July 15, 2020
Ames Electric Services invites the community to attend the SunSmart Ames Community Solar Project groundbreaking event at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at the site of the solar farm, 405 Airport Road. The event will be streamed on the following platforms:
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- Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/3129025573824362/ (at the time of the event)
- YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/AmesChannel12 (live stream will be at the top of the page at the time of the event)
Implementing a community solar project has been a long-established goal of the Ames City Council.
“A community solar project allows all residents to invest in renewable energy,” said Donald Kom, director of Ames Electric Services. “This 2-megawatt community solar farm will add clean, solar energy to our renewable energy portfolio, which includes refuse-derived fuel.”
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Despite some delay due to the need to re-evaluate and mitigate risks to construction crews, SunSmart is still on track to be producing electricity by the end of the year. The solar generation facility will be built and operated by ForeFront Power of San Francisco, Calif., and Ames Electric Services will purchase all electricity provided by the solar panels.
Virtual attendance is encouraged for those who want to experience the groundbreaking without being physically present. Due to concerns about COVID-19 transmission, those who attend in person are expected to wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others at the event. There will be no seating or refreshments.
It’s not too late for Ames Electric Services customers to get involved in SunSmart. Subscribe to the solar farm by buying energy shares or “Power Packs” for a one-time investment of $300. Customers will receive a small monthly credit on their utility bill for 20 years based on the amount of energy generated.
“Ames Electric Services customers have shown their support for this project, with more than 75 percent of Power Packs purchased to date,” said Kom. “We are excited to see this project moving forward.”
Ames Electric Services customers can purchase Power Packs or get additional information by going to www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar
This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.