Last week, the Cincinnati City Council voted to allocate approximately $34,000 towards the installation of solar panels on two municipal buildings: the fleet maintenance garage and the department of public services facility. This initiative will add to the city’s growing portfolio of renewable energy sources, joining 40 other city buildings already equipped with on-site solar energy.
Ollie Kroner, the director of the city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability, highlighted that this funding is partially made possible by the federal Inflation Reduction Act. “The city created the Revolving Energy Loan Fund and provided some seed funding using our Green Cincinnati Plan implementation dollars to loan money to departments making clean energy investments. We can recoup that money when we file taxes and receive those credits back,” Kroner explained.
This innovative funding approach not only supports current projects but also facilitates future renewable energy initiatives. Kroner noted that projects submitted for this fiscal year are expected to bring back around $430,000 to the city, which can be redistributed to further enhance renewable energy efforts across various departments.
The city’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond solar panels. The tax credits and revolving loan fund can also be utilized for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Additionally, Cincinnati is exploring the installation of batteries at community recreation centers. These batteries would harness solar energy generated during the day, enabling usage at night or during grid outages.
Kroner emphasized the importance of these resilience hubs: “That power could be used at night, or it could be used when the grid goes down, creating a refuge location in the community that could provide shelter during extreme heat or cold.”
Cincinnati is also considering larger renewable energy projects. Kroner mentioned that the Metropolitan Sewer District is working on a significant anaerobic digester project, which, if completed within the timeline set by the Inflation Reduction Act, could qualify for substantial funding.
The approval of funding for solar panel installation on city buildings is a significant step forward for Cincinnati’s renewable energy initiatives. By leveraging federal support and innovative financing mechanisms, the city is not only enhancing its energy sustainability but also paving the way for future projects that could further bolster its commitment to clean energy. As Cincinnati continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure, it sets a strong example for other municipalities aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
