Wauwatosa Expands Use Of Solar, Cost Savings For Taxpayers

WAUWATOSA, WI—Arch Electric announced Monday that it completed installation of a new solar panel system for the city of Wauwatosa.

Located atop city hall, power generated by the solar panels is estimated to reduce the city’s energy costs by approximately $40,000 annually, according to a news release.

The budget for this project is $740,000 with $40,000 of that amount planned to come from the Focus on Energy Grant.

"We anticipate the actual cost of the project to be lower. The solar panels could last several decades and beyond the warranties we have for the parts. The payback period is approximately 14.5 years. This was calculated assuming the grant is received and the City finances the City portion of the project at 2.5% interest. It also included a WE Energies cost escalation of 3.0% per year," according to the Wauwatosa city website.

Wauwatosa is leading by example as it works to become more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically practical.

Arch has worked with a dozen municipalities in the state on solar energy solutions that cut costs and position them for long-term success.

This project is an expansion of Wauwatosa’s commitment to renewable energy and reliable infrastructure. In 2019, the Department of Public Works successfully installed solar panels on a city garage, which is already covering nearly all of those energy costs.

The new installation, designed and installed by Arch, will continue to provide savings and help Wauwatosa toward its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

“The decision to expand solar in Wauwatosa was an easy one, and we’re increasing our use of renewable energy while protecting taxpayers. The city is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and generating at least 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Wauwatosa is pleased to partner with Arch Electric as we work toward these important goals," Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride said.

The system in Wauwatosa – comprised of 1,036 375W solar panels – has a maximum output of 300kw AC. The arrays are positioned on a 20-degree tilt ballasted system with no penetrations into the roof deck. Use of the system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 383 tons, which is the equivalent of 39,074 miles of gas being consumed. It will generate enough electricity to power 63 homes for one year, the release said.