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Comfrey council approves 57-kilowatt solar system for wastewater plant with MPCA grant
Summary
The Comfrey City Council approved a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant contract to install a 57-kilowatt solar system at the wastewater treatment plant. The project, with a $123,300 grant and $13,700 city match (total $137,000), passed 4–1; estimated payback with grant funding is 6.5 years.
The Comfrey City Council on May 13 approved a grant contract with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to install a 57-kilowatt direct-current solar array at the city wastewater treatment plant.
Tim Zinniel of Zinniel Electric presented the project to council members, describing panels installed about 3 feet off the ground that could reach up to 12 feet high, warranties ranging from 12–25 years (product) and 25–50 years (performance), and an estimated production payback of 6.5 years with the grant. Zinniel said the panels should produce more electricity than the plant needs during peak production.
Under the approved agreement the MPCA grant award is $123,300, the city match is $13,700, and the total project cost is $137,000. The council approved the contract on a motion by Redman, second by Evers; the motion passed 4–1. The council record does not identify which member voted no.
Council members discussed the expected 3-month installation timeline and warranties; no additional municipal financing changes were recorded during the meeting. The project was presented as contingent on the granted funding and typical permitting and procurement steps.
Next steps: staff and the vendor will proceed with contract execution and project scheduling under the grant terms; the council did not set a separate additional funding appropriation beyond the match approved in the motion.
