The following was submitted by the Wayland Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee

Solar canopies currently under construction at the High School and Middle School as well as a rooftop system at the new DPW building will be complete and operational by September, according to Town Facilities Director Ben Keefe. The fourth solar project, a canopy system at the Town Building, will begin construction in August. Noise levels could be high during the initial phase, which could span up to two weeks.

Once operational, these four systems will generate power equal to roughly 25% of the municipal energy use, saving the Town over $110,000 per year. In addition to power production, the canopies provide shade for cars parked there during the hot summer months.

Solar output will be tracked using an LED screen to be installed at the high school by project developer, Ameresco, who has worked efficiently to keep the projects on schedule.

No other solar projects are planned for the Town at this time according to Ellen Tohn, co-chair of the Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee. “We considered the landfill” said Tohn, “but the landfill was too small and the sides too steep to make it a viable financial option.”

“Street lighting is our next major initiative,” stated Bill Huss, a member of the committee helping to lead this effort. Over the next several months, the Town will be working with The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and Tanko Lighting to install LED streetlights, reducing the Town’s carbon footprint and saving nearly $100,000 per year.