Prison panels produce power

CARLISLE, Ind. (WTHI) - An area prison turns to the sun to save money.

Crews are installing solar panels at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, Ind.

The panels are going on the maximum security housing unit.

They will generate power to help heat the water used by the 200 offenders, saving energy. Prison officials hope also to save $6,000 dollars in water heating costs each year.

"We're actually going to be monitoring gas usage after we get the system set up, and in a another housing unit gas usage without the system so we can make a comparison," said Roger Dagley, Physical Plant Director.

The system costs $75,000. Officials with the facility say it will pay for itself in 15 years.