'Extremely Valuable' Durban Ave. Roof Might Be Repaired, Not Replaced, in Solar Project

roof could be renovated instead of replaced during the Hopatcong school district's switch to solar power this summer.

Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Neil Piro said at Monday night's Board of Education work session at the administration building that infrared tests on Durban Avenue's roof showed it has an "extremely valuable" amount of insulation and "inconsequential" damage despite its age.

"From our point of view," he said, "we would wind up with a more efficient roof in terms of retention of heat."

Piro said SP-One, the solar development and installation company working with the district, might be warming to the idea of fixing the roof. The original plan also includes fixing the middle school's roof before placing solar panels on both roofs and at the

"It appears now that [SP-One is] kind of leaning toward an agreement with us that that's the way to go as opposed to ripping it off," Piro said. "It's time efficient. For them, it's cost efficient. And for us it's very, very fuel efficient. It'll maintain the amount of insulation on the roof."

The sixth-month project was expected to give solar energy to all district buildings, excluding Hudson Maxim, and to begin in the spring. Over 15 years, the district "will realize $3,380,476 in energy cost savings and other benefits on a net present value basis," a release said," or "$4,680,734 on a nominal basis."