BULLHEAD CITY – Bullhead City Fire Station 6 is now using fire from the sun to generate electricity.

Mohave Electric Cooperative, through the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, arranged to have 85 solar panels mounted on the roof at station 6. It’s just one of many such efforts for government- and publicly-owned properties.

Approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2006, the tariff is a required charge on all electric company bills to support the generation of renewable energy.

The fire station was the latest of 37 such installations.

“We’re excited to have the panels installed,” said Scott Neal, assistant fire chief. “Having these panels will lower the department’s electric bill. That’s money that can be used to support other department functions.

“We appreciate the support Mohave Electric has shown for our local fire departments, schools, and community centers.”

Steve Bouman, energy management specialist at MEC, said the cost of the panels and installation were covered in full.

“The installation helps by lowering bills,” Bouman said. “All the locations panels are installed are supported by taxpayer funds, so this allows them to use their resources more effectively.”

The panels have a 20-25-year life expectancy and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. All panels are aimed to get optimum sunlight.

Bouman said funds raised by the tariff currently supports approximately three projects per year, but as some of the larger-scale installations are completed, there may be funding for more.

Two projects awaiting installation of panels are the Golden Shores Civic Center and the Fort Mohave Fire Department.

For more information, visit www.mohaveelectric.com and select the Community Energy Projects link.