Solar field is coming to MCC next summer

McHenry County College plans to install a solar field next summer, broadening the college's ongoing commitment to reduce its environmental footprint and to act in a fiscally responsible manner.

The MCC board of trustees recently approved a contract with ENGIE of Chicago to build an 875-kilowatt solar field to provide 27 percent of MCC's energy use.

As part of the 25-year agreement, MCC would save $34,353.64 per year for the first year of operation and similar savings over the next five years. The exact savings depends on the amount of sunlight emitted per year, which means some years there will be more electricity produced and other years, less.

Electricity rates are not expected to go lower than current rates paid by the college.

"As part of our green initiatives to save energy and lower costs, the college plans to produce campus electricity from on-site, renewable energy," said MCC President Clint Gabbard.

"We have explored different approaches to solar energy over the last several years and have now found a company that will help us sustain our mission of being a green campus," Gabbard said.

The solar field will be located on 3.4 acres just south of the MCC baseball field, and construction is expected to begin next summer.

Landscaping around the solar array will include ground cover consisting of native grasses and native clover, which will attract native species to help pollinate local flora.

MCC board of trustees Chair Mike Smith said that the project "exemplifies our ongoing alignment with MCC's strategic plan, most notably our initiative to maintain the college's financial stability by seeking alternative resources, such as sustainable environmental options.

"The board is committed to supporting the college's ongoing culture of sustainability, and this initiative will touch all three initiatives of green campus, green curriculum, and green community," Smith said.