By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Construction on a field of solar energy panels planned for the industrial park could begin within the next month.

Marion city council members agreed in February to install solar energy panels with a grant from Kansas Power Pool.

Marion is one of four communities in the state chosen for the solar panel program.

Captured energy will go to the KPP grid and sent where needed.

On Monday, electrical department supervisor Clayton Garnica told city council members all needed supplies except a transformer have arrived, and construction could begin within two to four weeks.

Council members discussed options that would allow residents who own land to purchase solar panels for $275 and earn a credit on their electric bills, but did not make a decision whether to approve community participation.

If council members approve a community participant program, customers would have the opportunity to purchase as many as 10 panels.

Council member Chris Costello asked how long it would take for someone who purchases a solar panel to earn back their investment.

City administrator Roger Holter said the best case scenario would be four years, but it would most likely take around eight years.