A solar energy consultant told selectmen last week that through a special program for nonprofits, the town could save more than $26K a year by installing solar panels on a number of town buildings, all for no cost.
Richard Chase of Chase Systems told selectmen there are eight town-owned buildings that could each support an 18 kW solar electric system. With each system generating an average of 20,000 kWh of electricity annually, Chase said the town could shave $26K off its electrical bill in the first year alone, with increases in subsequent years.
After an evaluation of town property, Chase said solar panels could be installed on the Senior Center, Finn, Neary, and Trottier schools, both town pumping stations, the Cemetery Building, and Fire Station #2 in Southville. Woodward School is not a candidate because trees shade its southwest roof.
DPW Superintendent Karen Galligan said the solar panels would not meet all of the energy needs at each of the buildings, but they would help.
“What you’re doing is slowing the meter down,” Chase explained.
The solar energy program, offered through DCS Energy of Connecticut, would allow the town to install the 18 kW solar systems at no cost and with no monthly fee. The town would receive all the electricity generated through the systems, and after five years, would take ownership of the solar systems at no cost.
Sound too good to be true?
Chase said DCS Energy can offer the zero-cost plan because they make money through federal tax credits, renewable energy credits, and depreciation of the solar energy equipment.
In addition to the 18 kW systems, Chase also said the town could consider installing a larger 500 kW system on the ground adjacent to one of the town’s pumping stations. While not offered under the free program for nonprofits, Chase said the larger system could save the town an additional $23K annually.
But Chase said time is running out to take advantage of the savings. Unless federal grant programs are renewed, nonprofits have to enter into an agreement with DCS by October 15.
Selectman said the savings were compelling and asked town counsel to review the details of the contract and to determine if the town could enter into the agreement without a vote from Town Meeting.
Selectman Bill Boland said there would be a lot of questions to answer before the October deadline, and time may be against them.
“It’s very interesting,” he said of the proposal. “But we may be up against a wall.”
There are a ton of concerns here. Number one being maintenance, especially after the 5 years are up and the panels become ours, there are going to be major costs with cleaning, repair, insurance etc. For all the unknowns involved with something like this, a possible 26K/yr for 5 years just isn’t worth it. Remember there are about 3000 households in SB, and I know it doesn’t work this way, but for my households $10 share, I’ll pass.
Not too mention that these federal tax credits would be much better spent in places like FL and AZ wasting our time with solar up here in MA, is just that, a waste.
Let me get this straight. Some one is going to give us a complete solar system, install it, and let us use the electricity and there is no cost to us? Why am I skeptical? Oh and by the way we need to sign up fast.
My antenna are up.
Well said. Also, even if the program is as described by Chase Systems, is anybody else made uncomfortable by this example of the your-tax-dollars-at-work racket? There’s no free lunch. Every citizen who pays federal taxes is funding our “free” goodies. Such programs sound enticing – until your nation finds itself in debt up to its eyeballs, and you realize your kids and even grandkids will have to clean up the mess …
I think this should be referred to the Southborough Green Technology Committee for review prior to the Selectmen making a decision.
I believe you have hit the nail on the head by delaying a decision on this item by referring it to another committee who will then hold more meetings.
The ability to be anonymous on a message board late at night does produce some curious commentary.
$26k per year savings!
We could buy 52 used police cars!
Now that’s the kind of “outside the box” thinking we need…lol
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The power plants that are closing are older plants that have delayed installing updates and are the plants that pose the greatest threat to health of Americans. The facts on these plants are as follows:
“The EPA estimates that by 2014, the new legislation will have achieved up to $280 billion in annual health benefits, in addition to preventing up to 34,000 premature deaths, 26,000 hospital and emergency room visits, and 240,000 cases of aggravated asthma.”
It all depends on where you priorities are at.
Thanks Carl, I sure appreciate your thoughtful response. We NEED environmentalists! we need to care.
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