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City staff say rooftop solar on municipal buildings has potential but limited near‑term savings
Summary
A city solar feasibility study of 22 municipal buildings identifies six priority rooftop sites but finds that a new fixed electricity rate reduces projected near‑term savings; staff recommended exploring grants, PPAs, and community solar while prioritizing six sites if future conditions change.
Bangor staff presented a solar-feasibility study analyzing 22 municipal buildings and found technical potential on several rooftops but limited near‑term economic benefit under the city’s new fixed electricity rate.
Amelia Money, the city’s sustainability intern, introduced the analysis and handed the presentation to Filia, who described how the team used PVWatts and utility bills to estimate production and payback. Across the 22 buildings the study estimated about 9.4 million kilowatt-hours of annual consumption, roughly 2,300 metric tons of CO2 and prior annual electricity costs near $1.5 million under the old rates.
Filia said six sites emerged as highest priority for rooftop installations: Fire Station No. 6 (11 Griffin Road), the Abbott Square parking lot, city fleet maintenance, the golf course clubhouse, a community-and-economic-development‑leased building at 39 Florida Avenue, and a water‑treatment hub. Under prior electricity rates the six sites could have offset about 33 percent of the combined electricity needs of those buildings, but the city’s new fixed 11¢/kWh supply rate reduces estimated annual savings and lengthens payback periods.
"With the estimated savings now going to be lower, the estimated payback period for these installations is going to be a lot greater," Filia said, adding that installations could become attractive again if electricity rates increase or outside funding is secured.
Staff discussed financing options including state community action grants (recent rounds have offered up to $75,000), direct municipal ownership, and power‑purchase agreements with third parties that remove upfront costs. Staff noted grants that fully cover upfront costs would yield immediate net savings, and that adding battery storage could support resilience goals.
Councilors asked about community solar subscription models, Efficiency Maine funding opportunities, and long‑term maintenance and software lifecycle concerns. Staff recommended pursuing grant opportunities and further study of PPAs and community solar partnerships, and said the six identified sites should be prioritized if future conditions make rooftop solar cost‑effective.
What’s next: Staff to investigate grant opportunities and power‑purchase scenarios, and to provide additional analysis on community solar and resilience improvements if council directs it.
