Solar panel installation at Wastewater Treatment Plant moves city closer to clean energy
SOUTH BEND, IN (WSBT) — South Bend is taking a step towards clean energy.
The city installed solar panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Leaders celebrated the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. At the wastewater treatment plant, South Bend city leaders highlighted a new solar project aimed at boosting clean-energy efforts.
South Bend is taking a step towards clean energy. The city installed solar panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. (WSBT photo)
With the wastewater plant accounting for the largest amount of the City’s overall electricity use. South Bend officials said the solar installation supports the city’s climate action plan.
The new panels are expected to generate roughly 500 megawatts of electricity every year.
City leaders say the project will not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but reduce long-term operational costs.
The city estimates it will save about $3 million in electricity costs over the lifespan of the panels
City leaders said the financial and environmental impacts make the nearly yearlong project worth the investment.
“This will also lead to savings to our rate payers as this investment will generate power for many years to come and save our rate payers on the use of that power into the future,” said James Mueller (D), Mayor of South Bend.
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South Bend leaders say the project is a step toward reaching the city’s energy goal of net zero.
