Monona committee advances solar-panel removal to council without recommendation

The City of Monona Finance and Personnel Committee voted June 16 to advance a resolution on removal, acquisition and transfer of solar panels from the Public Works garage to other city facilities to the full City Council without a committee recommendation.

Committee members and staff said the city must either allow the contractor to remove the panels with no city cost, buy the panels at a low purchase price and store or redeploy them, or pay for relocation and ground-mount infrastructure. The committee and staff repeatedly said current information about redeployment costs and expected energy value is incomplete and needs more analysis before a final decision by the council.

“Once you have them, you have them, and you have to do something with them,” said Francis, a committee member. “There isn't a no-cost option for the city,” she added, describing three options: no acquisition, acquisition at a stated…