By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The city has endorsed the installation of a rooftop solar array at McMillan Library.

While no city funding is required for the library to begin a solar array project, endorsement was asked from the city as a courtesy. After receiving proper guarantees on warranties of arrays, a solar project will be underway.

“If we get this up and running, what would happen is the library would basically be buying electricity from a private corporation who would own the array on the roof,” said McMillan Library Director Andy Barnett. “There are intangibles of having a public building with solar on it in the city.”

The move would save on electricity costs, demand charge, and peak usage. According to Barnett, the solar array would also serve as a potential educational experience.

“We aren’t at the point of selecting contractors, or having final numbers, but if the city were drastically opposed to this we would stop short of going there.” said Barnett.

City officials were overwhelming in their support for the solar array project.

“It’s a fine project,” said Alderperson Scott Kellogg. “It doesn’t cost the city anything, and it’s an educational project — it’s great.”