Rio Hondo looks to solar energy

RIO HONDO — Like some small towns in the area, Rio Hondo is taking its first steps to use solar energy to cut down on its light bill.

Officials here will use a $23,000 state grant to install solar panels at City Hall.

“It’s a big step,” City Commissioner Gustavo Olivares said. “We’re taking these steps to bring new technology to town. In the long run, it’s all going to pay off.”

Rio Hondo is one of a small group of Valley cities to use federal grants from the State Energy Conservation Office to install solar panels, said Gianluca Ferrario of SPI Go Green, the South Padre Island company hired to oversee three projects.

Last month, Santa Rosa officials used their grant to install solar panels at the city’s community center, said Ferrario, whose company was hired for the project.

Next, the company will install solar panels at Los Indios’ new community center, Ferrario said.

“This is the future,” Olivares said.

The city will install 14 solar panels on the south side of the City Hall building that overlooks the Arroyo Colorado, officials said.

“As people drive across the drawbridge, they’ll be able to see the panels and know that we’re looking at alterative energy sources to save the city money,” Commissioner Gloria Barrientos said.

The city’s first step into solar energy will save about $42 a month, Ferrario said.

“The cost of electricity goes up every year and this will help us cut back on expenses,” Barrientos said.

The grant money that comes out of President Obama’s economic stimulus package will help small cities cut their electric bills, said R.J. DeSilva, a state spokesman.

“These grants are for energy efficiency projects. Obviously some of these projects could be renewable energy projects,” DeSilva said.

Last month, Santa Rosa officials used their grant to install 14 solar panels at the city’s community center, Ferrario said.

“We’re trying to go green,” Assistant City Administrator Rey Treviño said. “We’re promoting energy conservation.”

Officials may turn to solar panels at the City Hall they plan to build, Treviño said.

“I anticipate we’ll work with more of these projects in the future,” Treviño said. “We’re waiting to see how this one works.”

In Los Indios, officials will use their grant to install solar panels at the city’s new $330,000 community center, City Administrator Bea Weaver said.