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The Solar Over Wilmore project has brought solar panels to the Wilmore Downtown Green and Drinkling’s. For the past year, the project’s coordinator has been garnering support from locals to bring solar panels to the Wilmore Municipal Center. 

The Rev. Dale Shunk, a retired United Methodist pastor and owner of fifteen solar panels himself, is the citizen coordinator for the project. To bring the solar panels to the Municipal Center on 210 S. Lexington, Shunk is partnering with CEO Daniel Wier of Commonwealth Solar LLC based in Wilmore. “We’re grateful to have a local contractor to put the solar panels up for us,” Shunk said.

“[Wier will] be the contractor and they’re giving us materials and costs. Basically we just have to pay to put their workers up on the building. It’s a huge donation… It’s good for him, it’s good for the city, it’s win-win there.” 

The project plan is 80 solar panels providing 500 watts each providing the Wilmore Municipal Center with a 40 Kilowatt system. 

“This is a long term project. So once the solar panels are on, they will be producing solar energy up to 80 or 90 percent of its capacity for 30 years, with little maintenance! Unless you have a huge ice storm that breaks some of them, which is very unlikely, there’s not much you need to do besides enjoy the new clean energy,” Shunk said. 

Shunk and Commonwealth Solar LLC is estimating a 17-20 percent reduction to the Municipal Center’s electric bill. If the Municipal Center’s electricity bill is $3,000 a month, the 40 Kilowatt system would save the city $600 with a 20 percent reduction. 

“Well being in the old Providence School, the city of Wilmore has the luxury and the benefit of having lots of room. So they have volleyball, basketball, a full commercial kitchen and the area is available for people in the community for receptions. The Jessamine County Library has a room and they’re gonna expand that. They’re gonna have four rooms soon. So lots of convenience is being offered to the community and I’m part of supporting that. Even the Jessamine County Sheriff’s office— they have two people come over twice a week,” Shunk said. 

Many community members and organizations have already supported Shunk in bringing more solar panels to Wilmore. The Lions Club of Wilmore donated $800, and Leonard Fitch of Fitch’s IGA donated as well. “The city of Wilmore put up $8,000 as a good faith start. Then I had an individual in town give me $10,000 through the Bluegrass Community Foundation.” Shunk also has also spent time at the farmer’s market and local events collecting donations. 

We have gone about $21,000 so far out of the $64,000 we need.” Shunk said he’s hoping for grants from Farmers Bank, Stockyard Bank, and Republic Services but is asking people in town for support to express support for the project. “If our local community supports us then we look more favorable. I’m hoping we can encourage a few more people [to donate] even $10. I just need the numbers for grant writing and also for public awareness.” He said. 

“People can donate by writing a check to the City of Wilmore with ‘Solar Project’ on the memo line.” Shunk is receiving assistance from Wilmore Treasurer Lori Vahle to collect donations.  

Send checks to Wilmore Municipal Center at 210 S Lexington Avenue Wilmore, Ky.