Solar PV

Roofs – The schools were told not to put PV on their roofs until they re-roof the schools, as otherwise the PV may have to be taken down when the roof needs replacement and/or repairs, and that is too expensive.  The PV arrays last about 20 years.  I understand that the new  DPW garage is being designed with PV mounted on the roof in mind.

Old land fill – Mike Sullivan says it was not properly closed, so he wants it to remain untouched for 20 years after it was closed before we do anything there.  Many towns are doing PV at old land fills.  The PV are mounted on concrete pads, which “float” on the ground, so nothing penetrates the liner.

Waste Water Treatment Plant – The Medfield Energy Committee is actively looking at putting a PV array behind the Waste Water Treatment Plant.  I believe that they will also look into other sites in town.  Per the Dartmouth town administrator, one needs about 20 acres to site a PV array.  Mike Sullivan suggested that we do not have many such sites available in town, and I asked if we could not do a screen with our GIS system as to how many we have and where they are located.  Medfield’s 20 acre sites may be on residentially zoned land, in which case we may want to consider doing what Dartmouth did, which was to zone to allow a PV array anywhere in town.

Medfield State Hospital – Personally, I would prefer to keep the land around the Medfield State Hospital available for passive recreation.

Parking lots – I have yet to see the array at REI, but I have read about it.  I do not think I would mind something like that at the parking lot at Shaw’s or Medfield High School.

What was so good about the Dartmouth approach was that the town just put out RFP’s, and private parties then built the PV arrays on private property, but sold the electricity to the town.  The town was essential because of the confluence of its creditworthiness and the fact that everyone had confidence that it will be around for the 20+ year life of the contracts.  The town only invested about $40K, but will save $700K I think it was over the years.