Grand Junction Community solar garden makes major financial impact

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. A one of a kind energy project in Grand Junction has been in the works for three years and it's now proving to be worth the wait. The solar garden - located on D 1/4 Road - is one of, if not the biggest, in Colorado. With 6,666 solar panels spread across 10 acres of land, it's contributing more than just bragging rights for the county. The solar garden has contributed $70,000 worth of energy to District 51 in the short time it's been up and running. The structure is responsible for powering 25-percent of the school district making District 51 one of the most energy efficient districts in the state. District 51 energy manager Eric Anderson said, "We're doing what we can to conserve energy - to use renewable power where we can - and do that in a way that's efficient and effective." District 51 isn't the only one benefiting. Other entities including governmental, non-governmental, low income and residential areas are taking part in the available renewable energy. Anderson said $50,000 worth of bill credits were expected to come from the garden within the first year, but just in the last couple of months they've already calculated $25,000 worth of credits - so the garden is well on its way to beating that original goal.