PAXTON — The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department has installed solar-panel systems for its offices in Paxton and Watseka, and the agency should save thousands of dollars each year from doing so, according to Doug Corbett, public health administrator.

“In just seven to eight years, the savings we realize on our electric costs will completely pay off the cost of each system,” Corbett said. “After that, those panels will continue to produce energy, and it will not cost us one dime.”

The health department received grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help pay for the solar panels. Each health department office received $30,000 toward the purchase of equipment and installation of each system. 

The health department then advertised for bids for the equipment and installation.  Bids were received from Angel Wind Energy in Onarga and CMS Renewables Inc. in Edwardsville, the latter of which was awarded the contract.

Corbett said the systems recently installed are not large enough to generate all of the electricity usage of the agency, but the health department will be able to apply for grants each year and add to its solar-panel systems if it wants.

“Eventually, we hope to increase the size of these systems so we will generate enough energy to virtually wipe out any need to purchase electricity for our offices,” he said.

The heightened awareness brought on by the savings realized by the solar panel installations caused the health department to look seriously at other ways the agency could save by incorporating “green” practices into the everyday operation of the agency. Some of these practices include:  setting printer defaults to double-sided, placing limits on thermostat temperatures, buying paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper made of recycled materials, using coffee mugs and actual silverware and glass plates as opposed to plastic silverware, paper plates and Styrofoam cups.