Article Contributed on: 6/5/2009 3:10:29 PM
The city of Westminster is reviewing plans to outfit some of its buildings with solar panels in an effort to become more environmentally friendly and save money on electricity costs.
City officials are working with solar technology manufacturer Main Street Power on an agreement to install photovoltaic solar systems to be placed on the roofs of several buildings. A final agreement and details of the plan will be presented to city council later this month, said deputy city manager Matt Lutkus.
"It fits with city council's strategic plan to be as environmentally sensitive as possible and encourage alternative technologies to help reduce the use of fossil fuels," Lutkus said. "This is a great opportunity to do that at a minimal cost to the city, especially given the current economic climate."
The city has been working since December with Simple Solar -- presently operating as Main Street Power - on reviewing facility utility invoices, electrical consumption and potential facilities where solar systems could be installed, Lutkus said. Timing is of the essence, he said, due to the limited availability of solar rebates and federal tax incentives available for 2009.
If approved, the rebates and incentives would completely cover the costs of installation. It's a win, win, win for the city, investors and the solar company, Lutkus said.
"And really, all of us benefit when you look at the reduced use of fossil fuels and the reduced carbon footprint," he said.
The city plans to install the solar system to four facilities, including the municipal service center and the swim and fitness center, he said. Projections show the move to solar panels would offset approximately 10 to 16 percent of energy costs in the buildings.
Energy costs have risen between 20 and 30 percent over the past few years and are expected to keep going up in the foreseeable future, he said. The escalating costs have the potential to put a strain on the city's budget, which led the city to begin pursuing alternative options, he said.
Staffers with the city began researching solar opportunities last summer after learning of similar efforts approved by the city and county of Broomfield. Main Street Power was eventually chosen because the company offered lower construction costs and more flexibility.
"They seem to be the best fit for us," Lutkus said. "The size of our project is appropriate for what they can do with their capabilities."
Main Street Power's kilowatt costs are less than recent agreements signed by Denver International Airport, Boulder County and Broomfield, according to city staffers. The agreement is set to be reviewed by city council at a regularly scheduled June 22 meeting.