A dedication of the new solar project is set for Monday afternoon.

The event starts at 1:30 p.m. and is open to the community, according to Lincoln County Power District manager Dave Luttrell. The site is 1.1 miles north of the intersection of U.S. 93 & S.R. 319, near Panaca, Nevada. It is on the east side of U.S. 93, visible from the highway.

“It is the first community solar project in Nevada,” Luttrell said. “A community solar project allows direct participation in the project by customers of the utility. Come enjoy the cool fall temperatures in Lincoln County and tour this state of the art facility.”

The project was funded with support from the USDA Rural Development and the Governor’s Office of Energy.

Luttrell said Paul Thomsen, Director of the Governor’s Office of Energy, and Sarah Adler, USDA State Director, will be the main guests of honor. Local elected officials, various other state officials, plus utility representatives and the press will also be invited guests. He also expects Assemblyman James Oscarson, who represents District 36, to attend.

Quite a few utilities from around the state plan to send representatives, Luttrell said. “Valley Electric of Pahrump and Nye County, Mt. Wheeler Electric from the Ely district, Wells Rural Electric, Nevada Rural Electric Association, and others are expected.”

“Cody Christiansen from Panaca Middle School is planning to have his class there for a field day to learn about solar power,” he said. “We will have a short presentation for their benefit.”

There will be a short ceremony and presentation to dignitaries with a certificate of appreciation and the ribbon cutting with LCPD President Ed Wright, Thomsen and Adler.

“As this project is the first in the state,” Luttrell explained, “We have gotten a lot of good attention out of it, that’s why the other utilities are coming.” A few other utilities have already contacted Luttrell about how they might do a similar project for themselves. Valley Electric in Pahrump has already started, Luttrell said, “but it won’t be done until sometime in 2016. And Mt. Wheeler is in the planning stages for one.”

Light refreshments will be provided following the dedication.