City of Decorah officials are studying a proposal to install 1,209 solar panels on city-owned property as a way of saving money.
Business owner Russell Novak from Novak Electric presented the proposal to the city's Utilities Committee this week. Novak estimates the proposal would save the city $1,200 a year for 25 years. The Utilities Committee will discuss the idea further on October 5th.
Under the proposal, 423 panels would be installed at the Pulpit Rock Campground, 353 panels at City Hall, 340 panels at the Water Department and 87 panels at the Street Department office.
City council members had some reservations about installing the solar panels at the Water Department property, since they might interfere with maintenance and take away from the viewscape. But they agreed to continue discussing the proposals involving the other locations.
City council members are also debating whether to sell the carbon offset credits as a further way to save money.