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Council delays decision on solar array after ROI questions
Summary
Staff and the architect proposed a $120,000 solar array expected to produce about 50,000 kWh annually and power roughly 80% of the building's lighting load, but council members questioned the 20–25 year ROI and asked for clearer math and program incentives before deciding.
The project presenter told the council the planned solar array carries an "upfront cost of a $120,000" and is estimated to produce about "50,000 kilowatt hours there annually" and "would power up 80% of the building's annual lighting load," with an estimated return on investment of about 20–25 years. Council members pressed staff and the architect to verify the calculation and requested a clearer break‑down of energy charges and utility rates used in the projection.
One council member, identified in the transcript as Eric, ran a quick calculation during the discussion and said that at an 18¢ per kilowatt-hour rate, 50,000 kWh multiplied across 20 years would equal $180,000 in avoided electricity costs — a number that could shorten the payback period. Eric said he wanted staff and the architect to "look at that again" and learn more about relevant programs or regulatory changes that might affect payback. Staff agreed to follow up with more detailed numbers and to present the architect's calculations at the next meeting on the 17th.
