MASON CITY – A solar energy plant is being installed on the Mason City library at this time, which will eventually provide much of the energy needed for the building.
Renesola solar panels arrived several days ago, along with the crew who are installing them on the roof of the library. The install should be done around July 1, Library Director Mary Markwalter said.
The solar plant is a power purchase agreement, Director Markwalter explained.
“A group of investors pays for the installation and then we pay them for the power (they plant) generates for us for 15 years. We own the solar energy plant at that point and then the energy is free for the library.”
As city budgets continue to tighten, all city departments – including the library – have had to search for cost-saving measures.
“It should produce 30% of the library energy which will be a substantial savings in 15 years,” Director Markwalter said.
There is no city capital money being spent on this project.
Sweet
Neat and practical idea.