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Council approves reduced panel count for liquor‑store solar project after transformer limit found
Summary
Council approved a change order for the liquor‑store solar array, reducing panels from 103 to 93 to comply with transformer limitations; the change reduces output by about 10% and lowers cost by approximately $6,380 with a roughly one‑month longer payback.
City staff explained to council that the liquor store’s electrical service is a three‑phase 240‑volt configuration that constrains the allowable solar inverter size. Ben Holson said the originally proposed array was slightly too large for the transformer limits.
"The solar array as designed is just slightly too big ... we're proposing to drop the panel count down. I believe the panel count started at 103. We're proposing to drop it down to 93," Holson told the council. Staff said the change lowers the system output by about 10 percent, reduces the upfront cost by roughly $6,380 and extends the payback by roughly one month while maintaining the same general payoff timetable over the long term.
Council discussed alternatives, concluded modifying the array was the simplest solution rather than reworking the transformer, and moved to approve the change order. The motion passed by voice vote.
Staff will proceed with the revised array and return any contract adjustments or final cost figures to the council as needed.
