Council to consider solar for Environmental Services Division

SUPERIOR — The city’s Environmental Services Division is planning to turn to the sun to save money on the cost of electricity during peak hours.

The Public Works Committee recommended Thursday, April 2, a contract with Wescom Inc. to install a solar array on three buildings at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on East First Street. The system is expected to cost about $209,000.

Wescom of Duluth submitted the low bid among three electrical contractors for a system that will generate almost 100 kilowatt hours of direct current.

The Environmental Services Division has been working on the project to reduce energy demand using solar power, said Chris Carlson, assistant public works director.

“It’s an upfront cost obviously, but long-term it will save energy costs,” Carlson said. “It’s more efficient and just a good, positive project.”

Councilor Garner Moffat said city and county government and other organizations tend to use a significant amount of electricity, and he appreciates the opportunity to save a little bit.

Plans for the project include adding roof-mounted solar panels on three of the treatment plant’s buildings selected based on available roof space and common power supply.

The Superior City Council will consider the contract April 14.

Shelley Nelson is a reporter with the Duluth Media Group since 1997, and has covered Superior and Douglas County communities and government for the Duluth News Tribune from 1999 to 2006, and the Superior Telegram since 2006. Contact her at 715-395-5022 or snelson@superiortelegram.com.