LEETON shire could be home to a new solar plant that will aim to help council save vital funds into the future.
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A proposal from Photon Energy has been received by Leeton Shire Council to construct a 99kw solar PV plant at the Leeton Waste Water Treatment Plant on Fivebough Road.
However, council decided at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday night to consider the proposal, but also put the project out to tender.
In a report to council, manager of water and waste water Colin Mellor said the proposal from Photon would likely produce a possible net profit on investment of $250,000 over a 20-year period.
“The initial net cost to council after receiving renewable energy credits will be about $95,000, with a payback of five to six years,” he said.
However, while the idea of solar power appealed to all councillors, many voiced their opposition to the numbers provided by Photon.
“I don’t think we should just be accepting the first one that comes along,” councillor Greg O’Callaghan said.
“It would be foolish to give these people the contract without going to tender.”