Sturgeon Bay council OKs solar energy project

From an article by Joe Knaapen on WisInfo:

A solar energy demonstration project to run parts of two city offices got the go-ahead Tuesday, June 17, from the Sturgeon Bay Common Council.

The project involves installing solar panels at a cost of about $65,000, of which about $27,000 will be paid by the Sturgeon Bay Utilities. The lion's share of the cost will be paid by grants from WPPI — a utility consortium that includes Sturgeon Bay — and Focus on Energy.

The project, explained by SBU General Manager James Stawicki, will offset about one-third of the energy demand for the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department's West Side station.

The cost of savings would amount to about $700 on an annual bill that totals $2,100 to $2,500, said Fire Chief Tim Herlache.

"You're spending $65,000 to save $700?" asked Alderman James Michaud.

If the cost-benefit ratio was being used to determine an investment for business or residence, Stawicki agreed, the numbers would not make sense.

In this case, he added, the city-owned utility and the 49-member WPPI are investing in an education and demonstration project to encourage the use of alternative energy sources.

At least a dozen communities involved in WPPI already have taken advantage of grants and incentives to construct solar and wind projects, Stawicki told the council.