East Granby Is Going Solar

Four East Granby town buildings will soon be outfitted with solar panels that could result in a yearly energy savings of over $7,000. 

First Selectman Jim Hayden said materials were delivered on Wednesday, and the panels on the library, public safety building, senior/community center and barn at East Granby Farms would be installed within the next couple of weeks. 

Back in August and September, Hayden said the town investigated solar power options, and through an agreement with DCS Energy, was able to secure a plan to put panels on four buildings. The town signed up in November.

Hayden said the federal government and the utility companies offer the incentives for the solar panels. 

“We had them take a look at all our town buildings to see if they would be appropriate to take solar panels,” Hayden said. “It turns out that four of them are.”

The solar panels come at no capital cost to the town, and Hayden estimated that they will result in a savings of about $7,500 annually. 

“After five years we can have them either remove them or leave them there,” Hayden said. “For $1, we can purchase them.”

East Granby Public Library Director Lisa Salazar said the library will save about $1,500 out of the total $7,500. 

“It’s our way of going green,” she said. “I think that’s exciting." 

Salazar said it is also a way to show that the town is trying to cut back where they can. 

“It’s a challenge so I’m thrilled that we’re able to do this,” she said.

When the town became involved with the project, Hayden said the schools were contacted to see if putting panels on the schools was a possibility. However, at that time, Hayden said, they weren’t doing flat roof installation. Now, that type of installation is possible, and Hayden said eventually, the town will have dialogue about putting the panels there, as well as at the Department of Public Works.

Hayden said in addition to the solar panels, the town has also been active in other energy conservation measures. One example is putting energy centers in rooms, which will automatically turn off the lights if no one has been in the room for a couple of minutes.  

Overall, Hayden said, “It is really a good opportunity. Whenever we can do anything to conserve energy or be proactive in creating energy, we’re more than happy to do it.”