Robbinsdale adds solar panels to some city buildings

Robbinsdale is installing solar panels on the roof of its water treatment plant with the goal of reducing energy costs and adding renewable energy sources to city operations.

Work to install 228 panels began Tuesday and the panels could being producing electricity in October or November, said Kayla Kirtz, the city’s sustainability coordinator.

“Robbinsdale will see benefits in that we are reducing our reliance on the natural gas and electrical systems, and we are providing Robbinsdale residents with clean water treated by renewable energy,” Kirtz said.

The panels are expected to produce about 135,174 kilowatt-hours of energy in the first year, or about 10% of what is needed to power the facility at 3648 Lee Av. N. The city received money from the Inflation Reduction Act to help cover the estimated $214,000 cost of the panels, and will get a tax credit on its energy bills, Kirtz said.

City Hall will be the next building to get outfitted with solar panels, which could happen later this year. Other municipal buildings may follow, Kirtz said.

The panels come as the City Council has been working over the past two years to set sustainability goals. The city this month formed a sustainability committee to serve in an advisory role. The city is accepting applications from prospective members and has scheduled the committee’s first meeting for Sept. 18.