Town explores solar options

CORNWALL — The selectmen are continuing to seek energy grants for the town and are trying to earn a solar voltaic installation that could power Town Hall.

Meanwhile, the new solar voltaic system at Cornwall Consolidated School is set to begin supplying the school with free energy.

The building official and fire marshal have both signed off on the installation, which includes solar energy collection panels mounted above the ground at the east side of the grounds, adjacent to the gymnasium.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway reported at the Dec. 7 selectmen’s meeting that the only work left was for the contractor to work out an agreement with Connecticut Light and Power Co. (CL&P). The system was expected to be active within 10 days.

The solar panel installation was earned by town residents and businesses who earned credits in a program sponsored by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund by purchasing energy produced by renewable sources.

The system is expected to handle about 5 percent of the school’s power needs. Ridgway noted that the savings could be greater given that the bulk of the school’s power use is during peak periods, when rates are high.

Once the system is operative, a curriculum component will kick in for students.

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