KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & SportsGoing green: Solar panels installed at two Shreveport apartment complexes

Going green: Solar panels installed at two Shreveport apartment complexes

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SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

Lee Hardware and United Jewelers buildings in downtown Shreveport have made the switch to solar power.

The extra wattage being brought in by the new solar panels will help power common areas, like lighting in the halls and outdoors, elevators, and emergency exit signs. Individual apartments will not switch to solar power, and tenants can expect their power bills to stay the same.

According to Susan Green, Property manager at Lee Hardware, the lower cost for the owners to operate the building will translate to savings for the tenants in the long run. "With the solar panels, it's going to help us reduce our electric costs, which is turn will help our rent stay the same."

The renovation is just one part of the largest solar installation in the history of Louisiana, according to HRI Properties. The company owns the downtown buildings, and is also converting to solar power in buildings owned in Houma and New Orleans.

The $10 million dollar project relies heavily on funding from state and federal renewable energy tax credit programs.

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