What's Happening in Anchorage, AK…

Anchorage’s mayor recently unveiled the biggest solar project Anchorage has undertaken up to the present.

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz revealed that 216 solar panels have been placed on top of Anchorage’s Egan Center, forming the largest array in the city. The project is expected to last for at least 30 years, and save more than $21,000 in the cost of electricity during its first year of operation, and almost $700,000 over its entire life. It’s expected the project will repay its cost in less than eight years.

Cinder blocks were used to weigh the solar panels down, which meant it wasn’t necessary to drill any holes in the center’s roof. The Convention Center Capital Reserve Fund was used to provide the $200,000 the project cost. The Reserve Fund is part of the Convention Center Room Tax Fund earmarked for capital projects.

Berkowitz said the project shows how Anchorage is creating a more diversified, stronger economy as it addresses the problems caused by climate change. The array will offset the energy used by 12 homes in Anchorage every year, producing 80.72 megawatts. Flyer printing can be used to inform residents of projects like this.

Anchorage finalized a plan to combat climate change earlier this year, and the Anchorage Assembly adopted it in May. Installing the solar array was one of the actions given a priority for 2019.