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Albert Lea approves state grants for solar arrays on four city buildings
Summary
The council approved state grant awards totaling $377,485 to install solar arrays on four city-owned properties; staff said federal tax credits are expected to cover the remaining ~30% and that projects have payback estimates of 5–10 years without that incentive.
The Albert Lea City Council on Nov. 24 approved staff’s request to accept state grants for four solar-array projects on city-owned properties.
City staff reported four successful grant awards that together total $377,485 — approximately 70% of each project’s construction cost — and said anticipated federal tax credits should cover the remaining roughly 30%, leaving the city with an expected net cost of $0 for construction if incentives are realized. Staff cautioned that if federal tax incentives aren’t obtained or deadlines are missed, the city could be responsible for that 30%.
Projects listed by staff are Albert Lea City Hall (project cost $129,921), the Albert Lea Fire Station ($135,321), the Albert Lea Main Lift Station ($146,800) and the Albert Lea City Garage ($127,221). Staff estimated payback (without the 30% federal incentive) at between 5 and 10 years for individual projects and noted a 25–30 year lifecycle for the installations.
Councilor Holland called the measure “a no-brainer” and said the clean energy investments would reduce costs for city buildings. The resolution passed by voice vote.
