The town is one step closer to a solar project that is expected to generate annual revenue of approximately $42,000, or $840,000 over a 20-year contract.
On the recommendation of the Solar Project Review Committee, selectmen Tuesday voted to accept a proposal from EPG Solar of Washington, D.C. Selectmen also approved placing an article on the Sept 7 special town meeting warrant to permit the town to accept a payment in lieu of taxes that would allow the project to move forward.
“We are excited this is finally coming to fruition as it’s been a long and protracted negotiation process,” said Selectman Rudolf Heller. “We see a very bright light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s generated by the sun.”
According to selectmen, the project calls for a solar photovoltaic array to be constructed on the capped Quaboag Street landfill. Mr. Heller, who also serves as chairman of the Solar Project Review Committee, explained the project will reap major financial benefits with minimum investment, the only cost to the town being the hiring of a consultant.
He said revenue will be generated in savings in electricity and payment for leasing the land in lieu of taxes. The project is expected to produce the entire amount of electricity the town requires in its elementary school and municipal facilities, according to Mr. Heller.
On Tuesday, Solar Project Review Committee member Timothy R. Roughan explained that an oversupply in the Solar Renewable Energy Credit market since the original project was proposed more than a year ago has reduced the original estimated $100,000 in annual savings to $42,000. The project has also decreased in size from 750 kilowatts to 425 kilowatts.
“At the end of the day it’s still a very positive project for the town,” he said.
Selectmen said the town’s objective is to reduce the town’s reliance on fossil fuels and its carbon footprint, minimize greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Source: http://www.telegram.com/article/20120823/NEWS/108239880/-1/NEWS07
On the recommendation of the Solar Project Review Committee, selectmen Tuesday voted to accept a proposal from EPG Solar of Washington, D.C. Selectmen also approved placing an article on the Sept 7 special town meeting warrant to permit the town to accept a payment in lieu of taxes that would allow the project to move forward.
“We are excited this is finally coming to fruition as it’s been a long and protracted negotiation process,” said Selectman Rudolf Heller. “We see a very bright light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s generated by the sun.”
According to selectmen, the project calls for a solar photovoltaic array to be constructed on the capped Quaboag Street landfill. Mr. Heller, who also serves as chairman of the Solar Project Review Committee, explained the project will reap major financial benefits with minimum investment, the only cost to the town being the hiring of a consultant.
He said revenue will be generated in savings in electricity and payment for leasing the land in lieu of taxes. The project is expected to produce the entire amount of electricity the town requires in its elementary school and municipal facilities, according to Mr. Heller.
On Tuesday, Solar Project Review Committee member Timothy R. Roughan explained that an oversupply in the Solar Renewable Energy Credit market since the original project was proposed more than a year ago has reduced the original estimated $100,000 in annual savings to $42,000. The project has also decreased in size from 750 kilowatts to 425 kilowatts.
“At the end of the day it’s still a very positive project for the town,” he said.
Selectmen said the town’s objective is to reduce the town’s reliance on fossil fuels and its carbon footprint, minimize greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Source: http://www.telegram.com/article/20120823/NEWS/108239880/-1/NEWS07
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