July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Solar hot water proposed for jail
Jay County Commissioners
The sun could save the county nearly $18,000 a year on utilities at the Jay County Jail.
Don Crawmer of Solartech presented the commissioners with a proposal to install a solar heating system on top of the jail to help preheat water to save on natural gas. Crawmer estimated the energy costs at about $27,000 a year, but with a solar heater, that expense could be reduced to about $9,100.
The installation would cost $81,521, but the savings generated by the system would pay for itself in about 4 years, estimating inflation. The solar panel would have a lifespan of about 25 years, meaning more than 20 years of "free BTUs."
"We want you saying 'Wow, that's the best money we've ever spent,'" Crawmer said.
The system consists of 30 "evacuated cylinders," which trap solar radiation and use the heat in the boiler system.
The cylinders are also easier to maintain, since if one tube breaks, the system can continue to function unlike sheet solar panels. Replacement of a tube, Crawmer said, would take about 10 minutes and cost $25.
The cylinder style is also highly efficient.
"If there's enough light to make a shadow, there's enough solar radiation for heating," Crawmer said.
The panel would be mounted near the top of the roof and could withstand a 150 mph wind load. The solar collector would be mounted on feet and allow water to flow under it, a point cleared up after commissioner Milo Miller Jr. expressed concern about snow potentially damming under the installation.
Jeff Badders of SchenkelShultz said it would be best to wait for the expansion's completion and then do the project as an add-on. The commissioners will keep the proposal in mind as the jail expansion moves toward completion.
In other business Monday, the commissioners:
•Received quotes for Information Technology support for the 911 system at the jail.
The commissioners accepted the quote of $390 per month for 8 hours per month from Progressive Office Supplies, Portland. Commissioner Faron Parr abstained for the vote due to his ownership of the business.
•Denied a request to provide a loan for a septic system installation for Paggy Englehardt, Bryant, since she does not own the property where she wants to install the system.
•Briefly discussed possible action to be taken on county road 1150 West, just north of Division Road in Knox Township.
Attorney Lon Racster said the road was once the "Muncie to Fort Wayne Mud Road" but, as far as he could find, was never added to the fuel tax inventory for the county.
Racster suggested the county could abandon the road, meaning the county would hold no responsibility as to upkeep or ownership of the path.
Property disputes would then be handled by any potential claimants.
The commissioners will speak with nearby property owner Phil Stolz, who wanted the county to maintain the roadway, before taking any action.[[In-content Ad]]
Don Crawmer of Solartech presented the commissioners with a proposal to install a solar heating system on top of the jail to help preheat water to save on natural gas. Crawmer estimated the energy costs at about $27,000 a year, but with a solar heater, that expense could be reduced to about $9,100.
The installation would cost $81,521, but the savings generated by the system would pay for itself in about 4 years, estimating inflation. The solar panel would have a lifespan of about 25 years, meaning more than 20 years of "free BTUs."
"We want you saying 'Wow, that's the best money we've ever spent,'" Crawmer said.
The system consists of 30 "evacuated cylinders," which trap solar radiation and use the heat in the boiler system.
The cylinders are also easier to maintain, since if one tube breaks, the system can continue to function unlike sheet solar panels. Replacement of a tube, Crawmer said, would take about 10 minutes and cost $25.
The cylinder style is also highly efficient.
"If there's enough light to make a shadow, there's enough solar radiation for heating," Crawmer said.
The panel would be mounted near the top of the roof and could withstand a 150 mph wind load. The solar collector would be mounted on feet and allow water to flow under it, a point cleared up after commissioner Milo Miller Jr. expressed concern about snow potentially damming under the installation.
Jeff Badders of SchenkelShultz said it would be best to wait for the expansion's completion and then do the project as an add-on. The commissioners will keep the proposal in mind as the jail expansion moves toward completion.
In other business Monday, the commissioners:
•Received quotes for Information Technology support for the 911 system at the jail.
The commissioners accepted the quote of $390 per month for 8 hours per month from Progressive Office Supplies, Portland. Commissioner Faron Parr abstained for the vote due to his ownership of the business.
•Denied a request to provide a loan for a septic system installation for Paggy Englehardt, Bryant, since she does not own the property where she wants to install the system.
•Briefly discussed possible action to be taken on county road 1150 West, just north of Division Road in Knox Township.
Attorney Lon Racster said the road was once the "Muncie to Fort Wayne Mud Road" but, as far as he could find, was never added to the fuel tax inventory for the county.
Racster suggested the county could abandon the road, meaning the county would hold no responsibility as to upkeep or ownership of the path.
Property disputes would then be handled by any potential claimants.
The commissioners will speak with nearby property owner Phil Stolz, who wanted the county to maintain the roadway, before taking any action.[[In-content Ad]]
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