Solar Energy

Benefits of Sustainably Solar Energy

Energy is a major expense for mining. Converting the sun’s bountiful energy is a great opportunity. That’s why the IAAP’s Sustainability Committee wants to help educate member companies about the benefits of solar energy.

Here are the key factors mining companies and other industries should think about when considering to install solar.

Grants & Incentives
Companies can benefit from several state and federal solar incentives to significantly bring down the cost of installing solar.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 26% in 2020
Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SCRECs) can cover 20%-40% of install costs
The Smart Inverter Rebate is an attractive incentive and definitely applies to mining
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) system of accounting allows the depreciation of a solar investment over 5-years.
Alternatively, Section 179 or other creative depreciation methods might exist, which you should discuss with your tax adviser.

Intense Energy Needs
Mining takes a lot of hard work, and it also takes a lot of energy to accomplish. What kind of energy needs do mines have?

Breaking big rocks into smaller rocks requires a lot of energy. Washing and sizing aggregates does too.
Shop areas and offices need proper ventilation, cooling, heating, and lighting. These needs are energy-intensive and cannot be allowed to fail.
Miners also rely on a multitude of electrical equipment. This equipment requires a lot of energy and needs to be ready at a moment’s notice.

To learn more, check out these excellent resources:

IAAP member companies can get you started

Borrego Solar Systems
Tick Tock Energy
SunPeak

BORREGO SOLAR SYSTEMS, INC.
1 N. State St., Ste. 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(630) 644-2052
Website: www.borregosolar.com
Kip Smith, Civil Engineer – ksmith@borregosolar.com
Alex Farkes, Director of Project Development – afarkes@borregosolar.com
Brennan Downes, Project Developer – bdownes@borregosolar.com
Justin Hardt, Project Developer – jhardt@borregosolar.com
Products/Services: Commercial solar energy – engineering, procurement, and construction of utility scale and commercial/industrial energy systems for ground mount and rooftops.

TICK TOCK ENERGY, INC.
PO Box 14
Effingham, IL 6241
   (217)994-9020 | FAX: (217)994-9036
   Website: www.ticktockenergy.com
      Craig Pals, Vice President – craig@ticktockenergy.com
      Eric Pals, President – eric@ticktockenergy.com
Products/Services: Tick Tock Energy is a comprehensive provider of solar PV solutions for commercial & industrial businesses, farm and residential. Based in Effingham, IL we were founded in 2006 and one of the earliest established solar providers in Illinois and United States. We’ve been named Top 500 Solar Contractors in the US for the past five consecutive years. In addition to solar, we offer energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades, power monitoring systems and energy consulting services. We help REDUCE your energy use with energy-efficiency. PRODUCE on-site power with solar photovoltaics, and MANAGE your energy costs with energy monitoring and consulting services. Or more simply: REDUCE-PRODUCE-MANAGE™. We’re a local, family-owned business based in Illinois and dedicated to your long-term support and profitability. Please visit www.ticktockenergy.com for more info.

SUNPEAK
1026 Ann Street
Madison, WI 53713
   (608)535-4554 | Toll Free: 844. No. CARBON
   Website: www.wunpeakpower.com
      Chad Sorenson, President – chad@sunpeakpower.com
      Mike Riverun, Director of Project Development – mike@sunpeakpower.com
      Krista Laubmeier, Marketing Manager – krista@sunpeakpower.com
Products/Services: Solar photovoltaic (solar electric) system design, engineering, construction, and ongoing operations & maintenance support.

Less Profitable Land
Sometimes mine sites do not have the appropriate or adequate rooftop to install solar and are left to consider ground-mounted solar. But this raises a question: Is it worth taking up valuable land to install solar? Frequently, the answer is yes.
You may be concerned about giving up land for solar, but the dollars per acre value of solar can be much greater than the value generated by farming on unmined land or newly reclaimed land that is not yet ready for its final purpose. The price of electricity consistently increases. Over the years, the cost of energy adds up quickly and your energy savings can too. Additionally, the land required for solar panels may be less than you might expect.

These are just a handful of the benefits your company can expect from installing solar.

Examples from mining company members

Learn About Thelen Sand & Gravel’s Solar PV System (view pictures from this field trip HERE)

Solar Energy Installations on Mining Company Property [Select speaker's name to view their presentation from 2020 IAAP convention]
Speakers: Kip Smith & Alex Yager, Borrego Solar Systems
Dan Shepard, Thelen Sand & Gravel
Craig Pals, Tick Tock Energy
Kip Smith and Alex Yager explained State and Federal government legislation and financial incentives for Behind-the-Meter solar installations that might be able to help save your company money on electricity bills. Technological and efficiency advances, as well as environmentally friendly materials, have made solar an attractive and sustainable option. Dan Shepard and Craig Pals showed and explained the start to finish construction and benefits mining companies have experienced to help you understand the real-world return on investment.

If your company wishes to provide guides or other materials to add to this page, contact us.