Solar panels that will be installed on municipal buildings will save one West Michigan city nearly $355,000 in energy costs.
The 934 solar panels will be installed on a fire station, city hall, and garages used by the police department and department of public works in Norton Shores. The city already has solar panels on a different fire station, which has saved the city $700 per year in energy expenses, according to city documents.
“Phase two” of the project will save $3,260 the first year, and $354,216 over the life of the 25-year agreement the city is entering with Muskegon-based Chart House Energy, according to the proposal from Chart House that was accepted by the city council on Monday, Aug. 3.
Chart House will invest nearly $670,000 in the solar array installation, and in return the city will agree to purchase all the energy that the panels produce. That electricity is expected to provide all that is needed to run the facilities on which they will be located. Those include Fire Station No. 2, 3920 Airline Road; the public works building at 1174 E. Mount Garfield; and city hall, 4814 Henry St.
“We’re excited to continue to help out and be both a good partner to the city in the financial and solar aspect, and also in terms of providing the help and jobs for people who ordinarily would have barriers to getting into the construction industry,” Rafson said.
