July 20, 2025 – The Decatur Civic Center parking lot solar canopy is now in operation, producing clean energy and saving taxpayers approximately $120,000 annually, and new solar projects on the horizon will save even more.
Six solar canopies were constructed in the Decatur Civic Center parking lot. Collectively, the canopies have 2,600+ solar panels on top which are supplying up to 95 percent of the Civic Center’s electric needs for at least the next 15 years. The $5 million construction cost was completely paid for by the contractor, which owns and maintains the system. Any damage to panels or issues with the system are the responsibility of the contractor and not the City.
“We are always looking for ways to cut costs and this project was a no-brainer,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “It produces clean energy, saves taxpayers significant money, and the City was responsible for none of the construction or ongoing maintenance costs; that is the definition of a win-win for our community.”
The City has agreed to purchase power from this system at a fixed kilowatt per hour cost for 15 years, which will save taxpayers an estimated $120,000 annually. Another benefit is shaded and partially covered parking for Civic Center visitors.
The Civic Center project was led by local energy consultants CQI Associates. They are consulting on other solar projects including:
– Decatur Public Library: Covering most of the library roof with solar panels, and potentially four solar canopies in the parking lot nearly identical to those in the Civic Center lot. This will power the Decatur Public Library and is expected to save taxpayers $100,000+ annually.
– William Street Pump Station: Ground-mounted solar panels on City property near Fire Station #2. Expected to save $18,000+ annually.
There will be over 2,100 solar panels between the library and William Street project with an estimated construction cost between $4 and $5 million. Just like the Civic Center project, the construction costs are paid by the contractor, which will own and maintain the systems. The City will enter into multi-year power purchase agreements for the two projects.
Additionally, one more solar canopy will be constructed in the Civic Center parking lot which will power the Senator Severns Transit Center. This project is in the study phase so there are no savings estimates at this time. It will be a similar multi-year power purchase agreement with the contractor paying all construction and maintenance costs.
