SHELBY — A presumed lightning strike has caused the Shelby solar array to be shutdown for unscheduled maintenance.
The incident was reported when the city’s Utilities and Streets Committee met June 14.
At-Large Councilman Steven McLaughlin shared information during his report at Shelby City Council’s June 17 meeting.
“It (solar array) is down for unscheduled maintenance at this point,” he said. “The system’s transformer has been compromised due to a presumed lightning strike.”
McLaughlin said AEP OnSite Partners owns, operates and maintains the solar power field. The solar array consists of nearly 7,000 370-watt photovoltaic panels, which convert light into energy and provide benefits during peak power events.
AEP is searching for a replacement transformer — estimated to cost around $100,000, according to the at-large councilman, who added the project’s lead time is about 12 weeks.
“We’re projected back in service (around) late September,” McLaughlin said.
Furthermore, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag told councilmembers the solar array’s new transformer will be paid for by AEP OnSite Partners and not the city.
Solar array provides 4 percent of city’s electric demand
According to McLaughlin, the 14-acre solar power field supplies Shelby with approximately four percent of the city’s electric demand.
Since its inception, the solar array has generated $492,000 in transmission and capacity savings. McLaughlin said savings began in 2021 and average approximately $123,000 per year.
“It’s (solar) the cheapest form of energy in the city,” he said.
Construction of the solar field, located on State Street, began in late September 2019.
First energized on Dec. 28, 2019, the system officially began running the following day. Panels are programmed to rotate throughout the day so they are always facing the sun.
The amount of energy generated by the panels varies based on available sunlight. Some power is generated even on cloudy days, according to previous Richland Source reporting.
Second phase of renewable energy projects
In December 2023, Shelby City Council approved a series of legislation to proceed with the second phase of the city’s behind-the-meter renewable energy projects.
Three resolutions were passed unanimously, entering the city into an agreement with AEP OnSite Partners for a 10-megawatt battery energy storage system.
John Ensman, the city’s director of utilities, said in December the project will complement Shelby’s solar array.
“Both projects will work together to support Shelby’s energy needs and most importantly, reduce the city’s electric transmission and capacity charges,” Ensman previously told Richland Source.
He said in December the anticipated commercial operation date for the battery energy system is January 2025.
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