Brown County Public Library: Solar by ’22

Help us make a bright investment in the future of the Library, Brown County and the environment

In August 2021, the board of the Brown County Public Library voted to install solar panels in the lower level parking lot. At a cost of  $841,940, the initial investment may seem high, but the future impact is significant and timing is crucial.

On July 1, 2022 Indiana’s net-metering laws change reducing the amount of credit solar producers receive in exchange for their excess energy. By installing solar panels now, the Library would receive the current credit rate until July 1, 2032, resulting in a significant utility savings over a ten-year period.

$65,000 means…

the solar panels would be paid for! Combined, the two solar arrays have 324 panels. At a cost of just $200 each, our fundraising goal of $65,000 will pay for those panels.

• Combining your donations with our existing funds means no additional tax burden on Brown County residents.
• The Library can reduce its electric bill by more than 90% while offsetting more than 115 metric tons of carbon annually.
• The Library would become the first public building in Brown County to use alternative energy, providing a great tool for teaching the public about renewable energy sources.

Solar Project FAQ

What’s the hurry? Why now?

In 2017 the Indiana legislature passed SEA 309, effectively ending net metering programs for solar projects installed after July 1, 2022. Installations connected before the July 2022 deadline will be grandfathered and receive the current rate until July 1, 2032.

What is net-metering?

Net metering is a way to credit solar producers for the energy they generate. Solar producers feed their unused energy back into the grid and are credited for the energy they produce at the same rate utility customers pay, a one-to-one swap — similar to roll over minutes on a cell phone plan.

What is the savings to the Library?

Converting to solar power and capturing the current net-metering rates, means the Library can save over 90% on electricity costs. Money that will go right back into library materials, services and other improvements.

How much will this project cost?

The Library has contracted to spend $841,940 on the installation of two solar arrays, plus upgrades to lighting and electrical systems for maximum energy efficiency.

Where is the money coming from?

A combination of revenue sources are being used to support the project, including LIRF, Wickard Endowment, grants and the Friends of the Library fundraiser.

The Wickard Endowment

In 2017 the Brown County Public Library received a very generous endowment of $2.3 million from the estate of long-time patron Tesh Wickard. Intended to be used for library maintenance, expansion and repair, the terms of the endowment mean that the principle can’t be touched and only the interest earned can be spent, providing funding for projects far into the future.

LIRF (Library Improvement Reserve Fund) 

The Library Improvement Reserve Fund is a savings account of sorts. Over many years, money from the general operating budget has been responsibly appropriated to this reserve fund to help us save for expected building maintenance and repairs and capital improvement projects. LIRF funds cannot be spent for books, furnishing, salaries or programming.

If you have so much money, why is the Library fund raising?

While the Library has reserves, there are also several upcoming projects that must be taken care of in our 20 year old building — a new HVAC system, elevator and carpeting to name a few. Every dollar raised to support the solar project is one less dollar withdrawn from savings,  allowing the Library to maintain financial reserves for the next project

What if you raise more than $65,000?

Our goal of $65,000 will pay for the 324 solar panels. Should we exceed our goal, those extra funds will go towards things like enhanced landscaping for the project area, electric car charging stations and programs.

How were the contractors chosen?

The Library entered a Guaranteed Energy Savings (GESC) contract, which is an agreement between a qualified provider and a building owner to reduce the energy and operating costs of a building by a specific amount. See Indiana Code 36-1-12.5 for more about which governing bodies are able to enter a GESC. If the savings are not realized, the contractor must reimburse the Library for the difference between the guaranteed savings and the actual cost savings.

What companies will be working on the project?

PSG Energy Group, based in Indianapolis was awarded the Guaranteed Energy Saving Contract. Additional contractors include RBI Solar out of Cincinnati for solar panel installation and Electric Plus out of Avon, with oversight by PSG, who will complete the electrical scope of the project.

When will the project be completed?

To capture the net-metering benefits before they expire, the project must be completed and running by July 1, 2022. The Library has a scheduled “energize” day of May 27, 2022 and you are invited!

Is my donation tax deductible?

The Friends of the Brown County Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to Friends are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please contact your financial advisor for more information.

Follow our progress!