The City of Winston-Salem is ramping up efforts to meet its 100% renewable energy goal by 2050. Part of the project includes a new 70-kilowatt system of solar panels installed on the roof of the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building located on East First Street. The solar install will offset about six percent of the building’s energy use.
The projected cost was $240,000 but after two solar rebates and an Inflation Reduction Act grant, the total cost came to ~$132,000. The project started in November 2023 and is expected to be complete in January 2024. The new initiative will help preserve fossil-fuel resources and reduce pollution.
Sustainability Director Shaleen Miller said this project will be a catalyst to spur other businesses and entities to look into renewable projects. More evaluations of city buildings for future solar panel installation are in the works.