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Monona committee: lost rooftop arrays pushed city below near‑term renewable target; Public Works asked to seek installer estimates
Summary
Committee members said removal of solar panels from the Public Works garage and the library reduced Monona’s reported renewable generation; members recommended Public Works obtain estimates from solar installers to evaluate installing new systems, ideally to capture expiring tax credits.
Members of the Monona Sustainability Committee reviewed the city’s renewable energy goals and recent generation figures and concluded the removal of several rooftop solar arrays reduced the city’s reported share of renewable electricity.
Thor reported that the city had reached a "25 by '25" goal in previous reporting, and committee members cited a 2024 figure of 28.4 percent renewable generation. Members then noted that if generation from the Public Works garage and library is removed, the adjusted share would be around 22 percent — below the city's near‑term target.
Committee members traced part of the decline to the removal of rooftop arrays that had been installed under a legacy solar co‑op; those arrays were not owned by the city. The Public Works director checked the roof warranty and found that an engineering assessment would be required before installing new panels. Committee members noted that solar installers commonly provide the structural documentation needed for insurance and warranties as part of their proposals.
The committee agreed to ask Public Works to contact multiple solar installers and obtain cost‑benefit estimates for installing panels on the Public Works garage (and to consider other city buildings). Members emphasized seeking estimates that would indicate whether installations could be completed in time to take advantage of available tax credits, and discussed timing constraints given installers’ busy schedules through the end of the year.
No formal Council action was taken at the meeting; the committee resolved to prepare data and a recommendation for the City Council that would request pursuit of installer estimates and potential budget or contract steps.
