Considering Solar Panels?

As the days grow longer, thoughts may turn to ways to harness the sun’s potential by purchasing solar panels. The process of taking on such a project should begin with three questions:

● Who will do the work?

● Where will the panels be located?

● Is my current electrical system able to handle this technology?

The City of Irving Inspections Department has some tips for those considering an investment in home or business solar panel installation. Contact Inspections for any questions about permits.

Who will do the work?

Always begin with extensive research on any contractor — solar panel or otherwise — offering to do work on your property. In the case of solar, a contractor might be based several hundred miles away or out of state. This can make it extremely difficult to get answers and fix minor issues during the installation and even more difficult after installation is complete. In short, do your homework on the company before signing a contract.

Where will the solar panels be located?

In most cases, the panels are located on the roof of the home, and it is important to know the condition of the roof. How old are the shingles? Are the roof rafters in good condition? Can they carry the extra weight?

This is a good time to consider if the roof should be replaced. Once the solar panels are installed, a roof replacement will require the solar panel contractor to page

Construction continues with the Irving Water Utilities Department preparing for a new pump station and wastewater interceptor project.

CityofIrving.org

TEENS SHOW THAT IRVING'S GOT TALENT

Sing, dance, juggle or play a musical instrument?

Interested in being part of Irving’s annual teen competition that showcases all types of talent?

Register to audition by Feb. 3

All Irving middle and high school students, as well as home-schooled students, ages 12 and older are welcome to apply. Group performances or ensembles are also welcome.

Audition finalists will perform in front of a live audience at the March 3 competition. A panel of judges will select winners in various categories. The audience votes on the best performance via text. All ages welcome. Admission is free.

Irving's Got Talent Competition

March 3 | 7 p.m.

Irving Arts Center, Carpenter Hall 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Visit CityofIrving.org/LivelyPointe or call (972) 721-8090 for more information, including details about submitting an application, audition date and dress rehearsal. n come back and remove the panels. After a new roof is installed, the panels will have to be reinstalled. A basic roof replacement can get expensive and complicated quickly.

In newer homes, solar panel installation is not a difficult project. However, the electrical system in an older home may not be in adequate condition to accept new technology. Tying into old electrical panels can create challenges that can unexpectedly cost the homeowner more money down the road, such as a new electrical panel or rewiring the entire house or building.

Extensive research is key to the successful completion of any improvement project. The Inspections Department is available to answer questions by calling (972) 721-2371 or by emailing irving-permits@cityofirving.org. Visit CityofIrving.org/Inspections for more information. n

Thank you, Irving Residents!

This Valentine’s Day, the Solid Waste Services (SWS) team sends some love to the Irving community for everyone’s understanding and help with the Solid Waste Collection changes implemented last October. Irving residents have shown immense appreciation for the team and current challenges impacting waste collections in the city — we appreciate you!

For details on current SWS collection, visit CityofIrving.org/SWS or call (972) 721-8059. n

CITY PLANNING A WEBSITE REDESIGN: RESIDENT INPUT CRUCIAL

The current City of Irving website turns nine years old this year, and the Communications Department is planning a website redesign to enhance communication and access to information for Irving residents. The redesign will update the overall user experience and functionality, as well as the look and feel of the website. Resident input is important to understanding how the new city website can best serve the community.

Take a few minutes to complete a brief online survey by visiting CityofIrving.org/Website or scan the QR code. Survey responses will be accepted through March 5. n

Thank you SCAN ME

Neighborhoods Receive Grant Funds for Programs

The City of Irving has awarded 29 neighborhood and homeowner associations with $25,000 in funding for organization projects through the Neighborhood Grant Program.

Administered by the Communications Department, the grant funds are used to provide seed money to assist organized neighborhoods with their projects. The matching grants allow neighborhoods to leverage existing capital and/or the time and talents of their residents with grant funds received from the city in an effort to improve their communities. The money can be used for beautification efforts, communication initiatives and neighborhood events.

Associations receiving funding through the 2022-23 Neighborhood Grant Program are:

Barton Estates

Beacon Hill

Campion Hollows

Cardinal Village

Enclave at Windsor Ridge

Espanita

Graff Farms

Granada Hills

Hackberry Creek

Historic Hospital District Hospital District South

Irving Hospital District

Irving Lake

Lakeside Landing

Las Brisas Hills

MacArthur Commons Mandalay Place

Nichols Park

Northwest Place

Sherwood Forest

Townhomes at Lake Carolyn

Turtle Lake

University Hills

University Park

Valley Vistas

Villas of Andalus VUE

For more information or details on registering a neighborhood association with the city, contact the Communications Department Neighborhood Services Division at (972) 721-7600. n

Irving Boulevard Reconstruction Reaches Milestone

The Irving Boulevard reconstruction project is over 50% complete and on schedule to be finished later this year. The largest portion of the project, replacement of water, wastewater and storm drain systems, is almost complete, and the contractor has begun demolition and main lane paving.

This project will transform a portion of Irving Boulevard into a roadway that accommodates vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic by reducing the number of vehicle lanes to two and using the remaining right-ofway for parallel parking, wider sidewalks, a bike lane and streetscape amenities. The improvements are intended to serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Irving and the Heritage District.

Additional project details can be found at CityofIrving.org/IrvingBlvd n