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The grant-dependent model has become more common.
Photo Credit: The City of Wood River
One Illinois city is moving ahead with plans to bring solar power to two high-use public buildings, a step that could lower electricity costs if outside funding comes through.
In early August, the Wood River City Council approved agreements for solar panel projects at the recreation center and fire department. According to The Telegraph, however, neither installation will move ahead unless the city receives grant funding.
City officials expect the solar arrays to cut electricity costs at the municipal buildings. The recreation center project is priced at $961,521, while the fire department system would cost $238,733.
These installations would continue Wood River’s solar efforts. Panels were previously added at the city’s police station and wastewater facility.
Because solar projects can come with high upfront costs, grant funding often plays a key role in getting them built. It’s a financing model that has become more common as local governments look for ways to modernize public infrastructure without putting the full burden on taxpayers.
Once installed, solar panels can deliver savings that can continue for years through lower power bills and more predictable operating costs. Solar power also generates electricity without the air pollution associated with burning fossil fuels, helping reduce the harmful emissions that contribute to rising temperatures as well as poor air quality, both of which can have costly community impacts.
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While Wood River waits to learn if the city will be able to secure grants to fund solar projects at the recreation center and fire department, officials may continue to learn from earlier phases of the local solar buildout.
A phased approach can help cities build on lessons from earlier projects, spread out costs over time, and tailor solar to buildings with different energy demands.
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