M Focus on: Water & Energy
Wauwatosa, Wis., goes green with solar energy projects By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
The city of Wauwatosa, Wis., began its first solar energy project years ago with a small solar ray atop its fire station. However, in the last three years, it has made leaps and bounds since that first project. Currently, the combined city hall and public library as well as the city garage house completed solar power projects, according to David Simpson, director of public works. Wauwatosa’s first modern-day, major solar project was the city garage. Wanting to pursue a solar energy project but unable to get the necessary funding due to prolonged payback periods, the city was eager to apply for a widely advertised state grant program that became available in 2019. Wauwatosa 32 THE MUNICIPAL | JUNE 2022
received this renewable energy competitive incentive program grant for $102,230.86, allowing it to cut down the payback period and lower the city’s cost. The payback period, or how many years it will take to break even, is estimated between 14 and 16 years. However, energy rates play a
ABOVE: After seeing the success of the city garage, Wauwatosa’s common council approved another solar energy project for the combined city hall and library in 2021. Both projects have since been completed. (Photo provided by the city of Wauwatosa, Wis.) large role. If the rates are high, the city could decrease the payback period. If the energy rates become lower, it will take longer to break even on the solar projects. At the July 2, 2019, meeting, the common council issued approval to accept the grant and enter into a contract with McKinstry for $584,273 for installation of solar panels on the roof of the city garage, which was constructed in late 2019.
