Solar Panels Power Salt Palace

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) One hundred solar panels have been installed on the roof of the new wing at the Salt Palace Convention Center. When the sun's shining, they channel enough energy to power lights in two levels of the parking garage. Sara Baldwin of Utah Clean Energy says it's a significant step for the state:

"This is the largest solar installation on a commercial entity (in Utah)," says Baldwin.

Solar panels are just the latest energy-efficient measure at the Salt Palace, which also includes low-energy light fixtures and waterless urinals. Soon it will be the largest building in Utah to receive LEED certification, which stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design." County Mayor Peter Corroon says it's good for the environment and the county's pocket book:

"We're realizing we're behind the times in Utah. Other states have taken the lead in using renewable energy resources," says Corroon. "It's time for us to do it and we can get our money back in just several years on the energy savings from having LEED certified buildings."

The solar panels cost $200,000 to install. Rocky Mountain Power contributed half of the money through proceeds from its wind power energy program. Earlier this year Corroon issued an executive order that all new county buildings must be environmentally friendly.

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