Moorhead hopes new solar power project will grow

Moorhead officials will start up a pilot project Thursday to generate electricity from the sun.

The solar system will only generate enough electricity to power two homes on a sunny day, but city officials say it's a test.

Moorhead public utility manager Bill Schwandt expects solar energy to expand in the next few years. He said the city is building on its success with wind turbines.

"Ten years ago when we started the capture the wind program, we were one of the first in the region to have wind towers owned by the community. Now, ten years later you see wind turbines all over the place. You don't see solar all over the place yet, so I think we're just at the start of that," he said.

The city is also offering a new incentive program for homes and businesses to install solar power generation.

The city paid for its wind turbines ahead of schedule because local residents were willing to voluntarily pay higher rates for green energy, he said.