The Four Seasons YMCA located in Tazewell, Virginia, recently made the full switch to solar energy. The change is part of the Y’s mission to be more energy sustainable for the future.
Shawn Durham, the chief executive director at the Four Seasons YMCA, said his team began looking into this project just before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cost at the time made it prohibited. But after a few years of working toward this goal, the YMCA made the full change this spring.
“Secure Solar Futures approached us and our community partner Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital who we share a campus with,” said Durham. “The Carilion Medical Center in New River Valley did a solar array and saw great success, so Tazewell Community was looking to do the same.”
While the hospital lacked sufficient space, the YMCA has 10 acres located behind the facility and hospital making for an ideal location to place the panels.
After meeting with Secure Solar Futures, Durham said the Y entered an agreement with the company’s investors who ensured there was little up-front cost to the Y.
“The investors own the array, maintain it and do all repairs,” said Durham. “Our energy costs were our biggest expense, so it was really a no-brainer at that time.”
Project Details and Sustainability
The timeline of the project from construction start to the ribbon cutting was five months. While there was some local zoning to be approved, Durham said the transition was very smooth.
“This will be a game-changer for our Y both short-term and long-term, as our population continues to decline in Southwest Virginia, yet expenses grow,” said Durham. “We’re projected to save an estimated $40,000 per year, which is a third of our annual electric expense. We budget for $10,000 monthly with some bills over $12,000 in the winter months and an occasional $15,000 power bill.”
Aside from the solar panels furthering sustainability, the Four Seasons YMCA is also partnering with Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), which manages the Y’s Community Garden.
Durham said much of the garden’s produce goes to the community and local food banks. ASD also offers apprentice training for participants to learn how to grow their own business in agriculture.
Moving forward, Durham said Appalachian Electric Power will hopefully begin an initiative where the company will build a battery storage facility at the YMCA.
“That would allow us to never be without power and position us to better serve in the County’s Emergency Action Plan as a fallout shelter,” he added. “We’re very excited about that possibility because we would qualify for several grants to upgrade our computer systems, food services, etc. It would be another win/win for the YMCA and the community”
For other rec center leaders looking to make their facilities more sustainable, Durham said to carefully research potential project before diving in headfirst.
“Do your research, find a reputable company and start building a relationship with them,” he added. “Also investigate any local zoning restrictions that might affect the project. It’s a long process, but worth the end result.”
