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The Three Forks City Council unanimously voted last week to seek more information about possibly adding solar panels to the Sewer Lagoons.
At the June 11 meeting, City Treasurer Kelly Smith told the Council that about four years ago, someone approached them about installing solar panels at the sewer plant, but the governing body did not seem too interested.
According to Smith, the city spends $60,000 or more a year on power at the sewer lagoon, and Public Works Superintendent Steve Johnston thought it would be a good idea to add the possible addition of panels to the ongoing update to the Capital Improvements Project. Smith said they went out and got two quotes to see how much it would be and also discussed the possibility of seeking Request for Proposals for the panels. Smith added that a tax refund is now available to non-profits and governments, and it would take them 8.5 years to break even.
Councilmember Gene Townsend said electric rates are going up this year, and with no trees, the location would be perfect for solar power.
“Whenever the sun is shining, you’re going to be generating electricity out there. It’s something we should really look at. 8.5 years payback is really not that long,” he said.
Councilmember George Chancellor said the studies he’s read and the electricians he’s talked to say that the life expectancy of solar panels decreases at a fairly regular rate. He would like to see more information, adding that he has heard that it takes a lot longer to pay back than the “sales pitch.”
Councilmember Garret Buchanan said he put in solar panels two years ago, and every year, as a solar panel sits out and absorbs the sun, there is a small reduction in the efficiency.
“Before we dive into it, we need to make sure we have as much data as possible and getting something that will actually last,” he said.
Townsend said he would like to pursue the issue now to get the facts and figures, and they have the money in the sewer fund to do so.
