A 24-kilowatt solar array may be coming to Woolwich, which would generate enough electricity to power 97 percent of the town’s facilities, including the town hall and fire station.
An informational meeting on the array, which may be constructed near the town landfill, will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Through solar installation company ReVision Energy’s power purchase agreement, the $47,000 array would not cost the town any money at first. Per the pending agreement, ReVision Energy would finance the array for the first seven years of operation, at which point the town would have the option to buy the array outright.
Through the first seven years, the town would only be responsible for paying for a discounted solar energy rate. If the town does not wish to purchase the array at that time, it could continue on with a slightly higher solar energy rate and have the chance to purchase the array each year thereafter.
Presentation
Thursday’s meeting will feature a presentation by ReVision Energy’s Nick Sampson, who said he will explain the benefits of going solar.
“It’s a really nice way for customers to take control of how they are supplying their electricity,” said Sampson. “You get sustainable, clean energy while saving costs. Plus, it’s a local resource, and you’re supporting local labor and a local company.”
Portland-based ReVision has installed solar arrays in Windham, Boothbay, South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough and Wells. The company also installs arrays for schools, farms and nonprofits across the state.
“Our selectmen have been working with ReVision Energy for a while on this,” said Woolwich Town Administrator Lynette Eastman. “This isn’t a legally needed meeting, but we wanted to answer any public questions before this is put to vote.”
The vote for the solar array will take place during the Woolwich annual meeting on April 29.
“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a good idea,” said Eastman. “If we could offset the town’s electricity (costs), that would be great.”
The solar array informational meeting with ReVision Energy takes place at the Woolwich Town Hall at 6 p.m.
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