Hopatcong Schools Solar Project Begins

At exactly 8 a.m. Friday morning workers began loading materials atop the Hopatcong Middle School, the first step in a much-anticipated solar energy plan to save the district $3 million over 15 years and cut down on pollution.

Director of Grounds Neil Piro said he was very excited to see the project start.

"I'm very, very happy," he said. "From here on in there will be relatively continual progression."

Prio said several parts of the plan are in motion. He said once the and roofs are renovated, roof-mounted solar arrays will be placed on them.

All summer programs at Durban Avenue and the middle school have been moved to the high school in anticipation of the project, Piro said.

Board of Education President Cliff Lundin said the start of the project was a big moment for the district.

"The sooner we can get [the project] underway, the sooner we can start to realize savings," he said. "We're very pleased and very thrilled this is getting done. It's been in the discussion for three years."

The project is a partnership between the district, solar power company Sun Edison and SP-One, a solar developer.

Piro said the project will provide the district with reinforced roofs at Durban Avenue School and the Hopatcong Middle School; and energy at .05 cents per kilowatt-hour—almost three times less than its current Jersey Centeral Power & Lights rate of .149. Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranzano has said the district won't pay for anything but energy under the agreement.

Solar panels will go atop Durban Avenue and middle school roofs and on a field, surrounded by 6-foot wire fences, at the Wayne L. Threkeld Sports Complex behind the Hopatcong Senior Citizens Center, Piro said.

What do you think of the solar project? Tell us in the comments.