Missoula officials are planning to install 1,200 solar panels this summer on the wastewater treatment plant, the city’s largest carbon emitter and energy user. The city will choose an installation company and third-party financer for the project next week.

The wastewater treatment plant accounts for 58% of the city’s emissions. The combination rooftop and on-the-ground solar system is expected to produce 20% clean energy for the plant and save the city between $25,000 and $150,000 over 25 years.

The project will use a third-party financing system, which means the city will not pay for the installation.

By Keely Larson