Henderson City Council approves solar panels contract

The Henderson City Council awarded a $750,000 contract Tuesday to Bombard Electric LLC for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system at Heritage Park Aquatic Complex and Senior Facility.

"This project will not only help the city reduce its power bills, but will also reduce the site's carbon footprint by lessening our reliance on traditional electrical power generation techniques," according to background included in the agenda item.

Bombard Electric, a Las Vegas company, was one of four businesses that submitted bids for the solar project.

The city received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Energy for the project. The grant required matching funds, which the City Council approved in August.

Mark Hobaica, city architect, said the project is to be completed by the end of March.

He said the solar panels will generate from 35 percent to 45 percent of the electricity demand for the two buildings. The city should recoup its investment in about 11 years, he said, and the project will have a 25-year warranty.

Hobaica said $175,000 is being spent on engineering, design and project management. The remaining $75,000 will be used for pay for further enhancements to the system during construction, he said.

The aquatic complex and senior facility, on South Racetrack Road, were completed in January 2010. Both buildings were constructed to meet high standards of energy efficiency and water conservation.

Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.