Voters approve solar plan for Sharon Center School

SHARON — After two and a half years of study and meetings, a solar energy project adjacent to Sharon Center School was approved by voters at a town meeting on Thursday, Aug. 18.

About 14 voters attended the five-minute meeting to approve unanimously the town entering into a power purchase agreement with the Connecticut Green Bank program.

Through the Solar Municipal Assistance Program, an array of solar panels would be installed on land the town owns, standing adjacent to the school, but out of sight of neighboring residents.

The Power Purchase Agreement would be in effect for 20 years but could be extended by renewal.

Elected to serve as moderator for the town meeting was Selectman Dale Jones.

Based on the outcome of the town meeting, the Board of Selectmen will approve a resolution on the project, clearing the way for the contractors to create a site plan to be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and, if warranted, the Inland Wetlands Commission.

First Selectman Brent Colley projected that the solar panels could provide 85% of the school’s power needs, resulting in substantial reduction in energy costs for the town.

The annual energy savings that could accrue to the town are estimated to total $29,744.

The area where the panels would be located receives full sun all day, he noted, adding that the area has been little used.

About 15 feet of trees and shrubbery effectively screen the area from neighboring properties, said Lyn Mattoon, chairman of the Sharon Energy and Environment Commission.

Information provided by the Solar Green Bank, a public-private entity, indicated that current supply chain deficiencies are causing delays in procurement of solar panel parts, and bringing rising construction costs. Increasing wages are also driving up project costs.

Under the agreement, the Green Bank would engineer, install, own and maintain the panel array that would be generating the energy. The town would purchase that energy, but at a greatly reduced cost.