AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Lone Star State’s capital city may soon be tapping into some serious solar power.
Austin’s municipal electric utility wants to set aside 300 acres for a solar panel array to be built and owned by San Francisco-based Gemini Solar Development Co.
Austin Energy would be the exclusive client and pay $10 million a year for 25 years for the power it generates. The Austin American-Statesman reports the solar project would be one of the largest of its kind in the world if the Austin City Council gives the go-ahead.
The proposed plan would open in late 2010 and would produce enough energy annually to power up to 5,000 homes.
The city has already decided to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Austin Energy says the plant would put it on pace to meet its goal of getting 30 percent of its power from renewable power sources by 2020.
But it would also raise the monthly electric bill for the average Austin homeowner by an average of 60 cents. And it has generated some concern among Austin’s large manufacturers, particularly high-technology companies, who worry their bills could see big increases.