Sartell Talks About Adding A Solar Garden To City

SARTELL -- Sartell officials are contemplating the idea of adding a solar garden within the city.

A presentation was giving during tonight's (Monday) city council meeting by representatives of SolarStone to discuss the possibility of leasing city owned property for the use of the solar garden.

SolarStone is looking to lease a total of 40 acres for the potential solar garden site that would be broken down into two separate site locations (the former Grede landfill and a former city lagoon).

Over the last several months staff has been working with the company analyzing potential sites and how to utilize the energy.

A 5 acres solar garden can produce about 1 megawatts worth of energy which would help save the city and county about 5% to 10% in annual savings with energy bill credits.

The company plans to use all 40 acres to fill with a solar garden.

No action was taken, however after a short discussion the council decided to form a subcommittee to help move the project forward.

City Administrator Mary Degiovanni says any land use actions for this type of energy use would require a conditional use permit and a public hearing would need to be held.

Staff will work with SolarStone to come up with a formal proposal that will be brought back to the council for a vote at a later date.