Solar project at city airport prepares for take-off

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

December 17, 2015 5:12 p.m.

FPU officials Mark Cutshaw (l) and R.J. Sicre brief FBCC.

Next year island residents might begin to see changes popping up at the municipal airport unrelated to aviation. Representatives of Florida Public Utilities (FPU) briefed the Fernandina Beach City Commissioners (FBCC) at the December 15^th Regular Meeting about their proposed solar project at the airport. FPU representatives R. J. Sicre and Mark Cutshaw walked commissioners through a brief slide show explaining how they would proceed to take advantage of tax credits and lower solar equipment costs to bring power to their local customers through the solar project. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, this project would ultimately lower the cost of electricity for consumers. The city would realize additional income from a lease agreement and property taxes.

The two areas currently proposed for location of solar panels in support of this project are located on open property at the municipal airport. In selecting sites and equipment, FPU was required to demonstrate to the FAA’s satisfaction that the project would not result in glare for aircraft pilots. That test has been passed.

Other areas at the airport have also been suggested. However, Sicre pointed out that FPU in considering potential locations, wanted to avoid having to remove trees.

Current proposed solar collector fields outlined in red.

While commissioners expressed support for the effort, they asked that the solar panels be screened from public view to the greatest extent possible. Vice Mayor Lentz, noting that the proposed locations are near the Amelia Island Parkway, asked that FPU also consider any glare problems that could result for drivers as well as pilots. Sicre said that FPU agreed with landscaping requests and also wanted to include a sign welcoming people to Fernandina Beach and citing the FPU solar project.

Mark Cutshaw said that there have been dramatic reductions in prices for solar collectors over the past ten years. He also said that solar panels are designed to absorb solar energy, not reflect it. He said, “It makes sense to do this, and I hope we can figure out a way because it will benefit everybody.”

Commissioner Len Kreger said that a project like this is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. He said that Florida Power and Light (FPL) has a massive solar field near Bryceville that cannot be seen from the road.

Sicre said that FPU has made a similar presentation to the Airport Advisory Commission (AAC). Vice Mayor Lentz said that she has received several calls from AAC members suggesting additional locations. She advised Sicre to work with the AAC, the city and the city’s airport consultant in evaluating the various options. Sicre agreed to do so.

Commissioner Tim Poynter said that he would like to see an actual plan as the next step that would show the final location and the financial picture for the city’s consideration. Sicre agreed, requesting at this time permission to begin talks with city officials on a potential lease so that the operation might be up and running by the end of 2016.

AAC Vice Chair Sam Lane

AAC Vice Chair Sam Lane reminded commissioners that the airport needs to keep the closed runway free for special events that draw more private planes to the airport. Lane added that in considering sites, the city needs to decide whether it wants to hide the project or show off that it is a green city. He asked the FBCC to consider sharing any revenue received with the airport enterprise fund.

Mayor Johnny Miller said that this project has generated a lot of excitement on social media. He said that the consensus of the FBCC was to move the project forward in the planning stage.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.