The Kent Fire Department RFA received more than $600,000 from a solar energy efficiency grant earlier this month.

The  funding will go towards the construction of solar panels on the roofs of Fire Station 76 and the maintenance shop. The system is expected to reduce the annual electrical costs by half, from approximately $16,000 to $8,000. In addition, the system entitles the Kent Fire Department RFA to a $30,000 Washington State Solar Production credit over six years.

The cost to the department is $135,000, which means the system is expected to have paid for itself in 10 years when the credits are applied. Construction of the solar energy system will begin in June of 2015. The fire department said, overall, 290 jobs will be created by the state’s $8.6 million grants.

Battalion Chief Mark Jones, who spearheaded the grant, said the money will help in cost savings. “Here in the vehicle maintenance shop we are always looking for ways to better serve the community and the department,” he said in a press release. “Our staff are always thinking recycling and reuse. To heat the maintenance shop, we burn the used oil from the fire apparatus. This reduces waste and reduces heating costs. “