The Carbondale City Council approved a $2.4 million solar panel project through the Power Purchase Agreement on Nov. 27, which will power a portion of the city’s municipal buildings. 

The panels will be constructed on three sites, including the SE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Public Safety Center and Civic Center. 

According to a press release from the City of Carbondale, the city’s energy management consultant, Affordable Gas & Electric, administered a proposal to solicit offers from qualified providers. 

The PPA allows for a third-party owner to construct, own and maintain the solar system and sell the power generated by the system to the city at a guaranteed rate, the press release said. 

Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry said the city reached their goal in becoming the leader in sustainable energy. 

“Our goal was to become a leader in the deployment of sustainable energy in the southern Illinois region,” Henry said. “With the approval of this power purchase agreement, we have a great starting point.” 

According to the press release, bids from seven companies were accepted and reviewed with analysis and recommendations provided to the city by the AGE. 

Jeff Haarmann, the managing partner of the AGE, said he congratulates the city of Carbondale for the awarding of this project. 

“Mayor Henry and Council City Manager Gary Williams have demonstrated they can be leaders in sustainable energy and do so with economic benefits for their residents,” Haarmann said. “We are extremely pleased with the results and can’t wait to see the panels begin to be installed.”

Staff reporter Bethany Rentfro can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @BethanyRentfro.

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