Solar Panel Program Extended, Expanded

The federally funded program under which Ledyard was able to install solar panels on several town buildings last year has been renewed for a second year, and also modified to allow solar panel installation on flat roofs. 

Funded by federal stimulus dollars and administered though Glastonbury-based DCS Energy, the program originally was intended to “sunset” on Nov. 30, 2010. Ledyard Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr., who spearheaded the program locally, reported last week that the program had been renewed for a second year.

Allyn had hoped last year to have solar panels installed on the town’s schools, but they were ruled out because flat roofs did not fall within the guidelines. A plan to install ground-mounted solar panels at the schools met with skepticism from school officials. Questions ranged from aesthetics to student safety.

Allyn said the program has since been expanded to include flat roofs. He said installing the panels on schools will save money in a time when all municipalities are feeling squeezed for cash. But just as important would be the educational value of a renewable energy source in use at the schools.

The panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, have been installed on Town Hall, the senior center, the Ledyard Police Department and the salt shed at the Public Works Department complex. They are expected to save approximately $200 per month on the electric bill for each building.

Allyn also hoped to have panels placed on the Bill Library, but the town missed the Nov. 30 deadline while awaiting approval from the various boards that govern the Ledyard Center Historic District. That approval eventually was granted and Allyn applied for a waiver, but now it appears the deadline issue is no longer a concern.

Allyn and Board of Education Maintenance Director Sam Kilpatrick met Friday with DCS to discuss the solar panels. "We got quite a bit more information on the new applications available for flat roofs, and information on other aspects of the program," Allyn said.

Other buildings in town that could possibly qualify for the program include those belonging to non-profit groups, such as churches and the United Way in Gales Ferry. Allyn said St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry has signed up, and he encourages others to look into it.

"I welcome inquiries to my office so that the opportunity is provided to as many qualifying organizations as possible," he said.