The Plymouth City Council members reviewed a proposal by Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson Monday night that would involve the construction of a solar array at the Wastewater Plant in an effort to save energy costs.
During last week’s Plymouth Redevelopment Commission meeting, he said the usage of pumps and other equipment at the plant uses a lot of energy. He stated that monthly energy costs could be reduced if the city council agreed to the installation of a solar array at the plant.
Dr. Bruce Breeden from Telemon told the Plymouth City Council members Monday night that the total up-front cost of the solar project is $1.61 million and it would realize a $147,000 annual energy savings.
Solar panels would be installed at the rear of the property with shrubbery. Property owners to the east of the plant would be invited to a meeting at some point to review the project.
Jeff Rowe from Baker Tilly explained that there are several options to pay for the project including available cash-on-hand out of the Wastewater Department’s budget, the potential of payment through federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds distributed to the city, or with TIF Funds.
Davidson commented that time is of the essence as certain deadlines need to be met concerning net metering qualifications and other assistance.
The Plymouth City Council members unanimously approved a motion to move forward with the project with Telemon. If the contract needs modified, it can be ratified in a future meeting. The way the project will be financed will be discussed in the next month or so.
