Monona Leads the Charge with Solar Power
The $600,000 Project is the Largest in the State
by Leila Fletcher, age 11
Monona’s recent partnership with Falcon Energy Systems, a
Colorado-based investment company, will result in 382 solar panels on
top of four of the city’s public facilities by the end of this year.
Solar Connections, a Madison consulting group, facilitated
the agreement between Falcon Energy Systems and the city. Falcon Energy
Systems agreed to install and maintain all of these solar panels. They
will receive federal tax credits for their work, while Monona will
receive renewable energy credits. In the first year the panels will save
the city $9,000 in utilities, according to Janine Glaeser, city project
manager.
“This
project is part of our plan to become an Energy Independent Community
and will help us reach our ultimate goal of increasing the use of
renewable fuels by 25 percent by 2025,” said Glaeser. “We’re very
excited.”
The installation of the solar panels began in
mid-September, on top of the city hall, the public library, public works
department well No. 3, and the public works garage. Costing around
$600,000, it is the largest solar project in Wisconsin. This project
aligns with Monona’s pledge to become energy independent. After six
years, Monona will have the option of purchasing, renewing or stopping
the solar panel partnership.
“Essentially this is a way
for a community to take matters into their own hands,” said James
Yockey, co-founder of Solar Connections.
[Source:
Wisconsin State Journal
]
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