The city of Appleton is adding solar panels to the roof of its public library, with the goal of generating around 30% of the building’s total energy usage. The project is funded by a $2.5 million reimbursement for the library’s geothermal system, which uses the temperature beneath the ground to heat and cool the building.
Project Details
The installation of the solar panels is expected to cost $700,000, double the initial projection. According to Appleton Project and Resiliency Manager Steven Schrage, the increased cost is due to the city having a full year of utility data available, allowing for a better understanding of the facility’s energy usage. The solar panels are expected to save the city around $70,000 annually.
The city chose the library for the solar panels due to its potential as an educational opportunity. Once the panels are installed, the city plans to create an educational center to show how the renewable process works. Work on the project is expected to begin in the fall.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
