Voters are embracing solar power with their support of a solar array project off Mayflower Street that could save the town up to $45,000 a year on energy costs.
The cost to the town would be nothing, with voters giving permission to the town manager and Board of Selectmen to enter into a contract and lease with a solar company that would install, operate and maintain the solar panels.
The Alternative Energy Committee formed a subcommittee to consider possibilities for solar power in Duxbury, and the Solar Energy Subcommittee recommended a solar array on the town’s capped landfill near the site of the new police station.
One concern raised by a voter was what happens if the solar company goes out of business or otherwise has financial trouble.
Committee member Josh Cutler said the company would be required to post a bond for the 500,000-watt solar array expected to produce 600,000 kilowatt hours a year.
"The town’s interest is protected,” he said. “I should also say, the solar panels themselves have value.”
The estimated $45,000 a year in savings would, by law, be returned to the town’s general fund. It could potentially be the first of other municipal solar projects, including the possible installation of solar panels on a new Duxbury Middle and High School roof.
As one voter said, “The success of this project could certainly lead to others.”
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