Idea Of Solar Farm Shines, But Grant Funds

Are Out Of Reach, This Time

By Kendra Bobowick

The deadline arrived too fast for Economic Development Commission (EDC) officials to apply for state funds that one town commission had hoped to use toward a solar installation project at the wastewater treatment plant. A state-imposed deadline making Clean Energy Fund monies available to towns abruptly slammed shut Wednesday, January 14.

“It would take more time than we have. There are a lot of hoops to jump through,” EDC chairman Rob Rau said Tuesday when considering the information required in the application.

On Monday night, however, EDC members were more optimistic. They felt the town needed to at least “get in line” for grant funds by filing an application, and had intended to reach for a share, but the time-crunch had proved too much. By Tuesday Mr Rau, for one, felt differently.

He had realized the “hundred-yard dash” to file was not going to be possible. While commission members, Highway Department head Fred Hurley, Water and Sewer Authority member Rick Conte, Director of Planning and Community Development Elizabeth Stocker, and two representatives from one solar firm out of Shelton all looked at the possibilities Monday, Tuesday morning’s discussion going “back and forth, back and forth,” confirmed that the applications could not be finished on such short notice, Mr Rau said.

Also working against the commission was word on Monday that Governor Jodi M. Rell released a proposal to cut cash flow to the Clean Energy Fund. Hearing this Monday, Ms Stocker admitted she was not surprised, noting that fund cuts are always looming.

They will try again.

Although avenues for funding are closed — for now — establishing a solar field at the treatment plant is an idea Mr Rau intends to pursue.

“Solar energy? We have always felt it is a form of economic development, especially since the waste water treatment plant would be taking all the energy,” he said, adding, “If we use the energy ourselves, there are cost savings.”

Unlike traditional power use and delivery where the consumer must purchase both the energy and pay for delivery, generating the power on-site saves both costs. With a solar field installed, Mr Rau said, “We can provide all the power we need and bypass all costs.”

The town has been talking “off and on” with Opel Inc, a “product- and technology-based company focused on the design and manufacture of Solar Concentrating products for use in the generation of power for commercial applications,” according to the Opel website. “They have walked the site; we have talked about the possibilities and have the feeling that it’s doable,” said Mr Rau.

What will 2009 bring? He cannot make a promise, but Mr Rau is hopeful. “There is a good chance we’ll be solar.” His commission “will pursue” the possibilities, he said, and if the project is viable, “We’re going to do it,” he promised.

Tuesday evening during a Conservation Commission meeting, Land Use Deputy Director Rob Sibley acknowledged that the town was not in time for the state grant deadline, but he was glad to learn the commission is thinking solar.

“It’s a fantastic idea,” he said. “I am encouraged to hear the EDC is trying to procure renewable energy.” The wastewater treatment plant is a “huge energy consumer,” he said. “If we could have that off the grid, it would lighten the loan.”

Potentially the solar installations would be pole-mounted tracking systems partially on the plant, technology park land, and an area marked for open space. Tuesday, Conservation Chairman Joe Hovious clarified that the installations would be “up the hill,” on an open space swatch of land. He said, “It’s terrific. I’m in favor.”

The technology park portion of the area tentatively slated for a solar installation is “upslope,” Mr Hovious noted. Could it be developed commercially? A solar farm could be the answer. “It’s difficult to get to, but if they could use it for solar, great.”

The entire installation would cover less than two acres, Liz Stocker said Monday. She also noted that the installation is an estimated $1.2 million for the project.