BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Health Department director Eric Mills is focusing on driving the department forward in a rapidly changing technological landscape. One of his key initiatives is to explore cost-saving via solar panel installation.

“There’s a common saying, ‘If it’s not broken – don’t fix it,’” Mills stated. “I tend to align more with the sayings, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it’ and ‘never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.’”

In line with this, Mills has researched the feasibility and benefits of solar panels for the health department. After a detailed evaluation, experts have deemed the health department and its garage suitable for solar installation.

Mills has also been delving into the potential tax credits and incentives associated with transitioning to solar energy.

“There are huge tax incentives available for installing solar panels to generate electricity even if you don’t pay taxes, such as in the case of local government,” explained Mills. “Based on my research, we could potentially get 25-30 years of solar-generated electricity for the same cost of 4-5 years through AEP, with all the rebates and such available.”

Regarding the costs, Mills estimated an initial range of $400,000-$500,000 for the project. However, considering all the available incentives, the net amount the county might incur could be as low as $60,000-$70,000.

The health department has advertised a request for proposals for turn-key solar panel installation and electrical grid integration.

Mills is optimistic about the potential benefits of this initiative, mentioning plans to expand the clinic in the future. He believes the solar project will result in substantial savings for the health department. That health department could redirect that money to other vital areas.

“It would pay for itself in a matter of just a few years,” added Mills.

The deadline for proposals is 4 p.m. Oct. 6.