Showing posts with label Solar energy. Show all posts

Friday, July 24, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Session Scheduled

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf

"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.

Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tuesday, August 25 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Wednesday, August 26 1:00 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013

Monday, July 13, 2020

"solar projects accounted for a quarter of all development of natural lands"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest to Franklin:

"Massachusetts has been a national leader in solar power and now boasts more of the renewable energy than most other states. But it has come at a cost to forests and woodlands, and environmental advocates — not a group ordinarily prone to voicing doubts about renewable sources — say misguided state incentives have encouraged building solar farms on undeveloped land.

Now, with the coronavirus already causing major job losses and great uncertainty in the solar industry, state officials are planning to issue new rules that will sharply limit where solar farms can be built.

“We need to minimize the loss of these valuable natural assets to all forms of development,” said Heidi Ricci, an author of a Mass Audubon report this year that called for the protection of natural land. “We need this natural land to absorb the rain and clean our water, as storms become more intense from climate change.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/12/metro/woods-give-way-solar-farms-state-issue-controversial-rules-that-could-harm-solar-industry/

Franklin is ahead of this change as there was a bylaw change earlier this year to restrict large solar farms while keeping smaller residential units.

1st reading - Feb 12, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_12.html

2nd reading - Mar 4, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

EDC meeting - Feb 5, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-202-economic-development.html

from the archives, the solar farm installation at St Mary's Abbey in Franklin

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 208 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

During the Town Administrator’s Report segment of the Town Council meeting, Feb 12, 2020, there was a good piece of news. Municipal aggregation is finally here with a good deal.

What is municipal aggregation?

“It seeks to aggregate consumers in the Town to negotiate rates for power supply. It brings together the buying power of over 32,000 consumers. Furthermore, the Town seeks to better manage energy prices.

Participation is voluntary for each eligible consumer. Eligible consumers have the opportunity to decline service provided through the Plan and to choose any Competitive Supplier they wish.“

On your electric bill, there are two sections, one for delivery services, and one for the cost of the electricity itself. With aggregation, Franklin has just signed a contract to deliver electricity at a cost of only 10.5 cents for three years. This is one, an improvement over the current rate (around .14 cents) and two, confirms the rate for three years.

This is a good deal. More will be forthcoming on this as we get closer to Sep/Oct 2020. There will be additional information shared, info on how to opt out (accepting a rate other than the 10.5 cents confirmed for three years), etc.

Let’s listen to Jamie Hellen talk about the municipal aggregation deal at the Town Council meeting.

Additional info will be provided at the Town Council meeting on March 4, 2020.

Links to the archives for prior posts on municipal aggregation which was initially approved by the Town Council in 2016 are provided in the show notes

Audio file https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8099baa-7dc9-49c7-b55a-cfdb619a52d2

From the archives:

Aggregation Plan released for Town Council meeting review and discussion
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

Link to Municipal Aggregation docs on Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation-documents

Embedded copy:

From the Town Council meeting where this was approved
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Aggregation Presentation doc - March 9, 2016
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-community-choice-aggregation-program

Franklin Community Choice Aggregation Program from Franklin Matters

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

Present: Chandler, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: Hamblen

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Dale Kurtz, reminder for veterans to self identify for the Town Census now and the Federal Census later this year

Teresa Burr, reminder on the last day to register to vote for Presidential Primary is today through midnight online ma.gov or the Clerk's office through 8:00 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Firefighter/Paramedic: Michael McConaghy

As of March 1, ISO rating increases to Class 2, an upgrade in rating
should help with insurance
less than 2,000 departments across the country in this class, only 7 in MA are Class 1

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

2 minute recess

meeting resumes

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
Zoning Changes:
20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations and Use Regulations Schedule Updates
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-849_hearing.pdf

20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-850_hearing.pdf

20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-851_hearing.pdf

open hearings but holding discussion until later in the meeting

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

Saturday, January 11, 2020

FM #190 - Economic Development SubCommittee meeting - Jan 8, 2020 (audio)

FM #190

This internet radio show or podcast is number 190 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Economic Development SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Municipal Building at 5:45 PM. (It was listed to start at 5:30 and I covered the Board of Health meeting which finished at 5:40 so I expected to get to this one late. However, I was able to get there just for the start.)

Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

Good insights on the solar farm business as background for the 1a agenda item

The meeting runs about 45 minutes, so without further ado here is the Economic Development SubCommittee of Jan 8, 2020.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDxP56KX

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help? Overall:

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room

Franklin, MA

January 8, 2020 = 5:30 PM

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013

Sunday, October 20, 2019

"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"While traveling to Yellowstone National Park in a car during the summer of 2018, state Rep. Marjorie Decker and her family were escorted by pilot cars through active wildfires, the road illuminated by glowing flames.

“It was 40 minutes of driving through thick smoke with (my two) grandmothers and the kids,” said Decker, D-Cambridge, as volunteer firefighters chopped down trees to allow drivers through. Some residents were evacuated, while others stayed put and went about their daily lives, taking detours around fires and limiting their time outside.

While on the road, Decker said her family had to regularly monitor for smoke, air quality and location of the fires.

“Boy, my anxiety was just right up there,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191018/climate-change-proves-to-be-hot-topic-in-franklin

"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

Thursday, February 14, 2019

In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year

"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year.

Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent.

The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working.

“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin

"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street.

A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers.

The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage.

Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2019

"where the buffer zone is between conservation land and the proposed solar array"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A new solar array is being proposed in town while conservation concerns loom in the planned area.

A public hearing will be held on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building. The application for the photovoltaic solar was filed by Kearsarge Upper Union LLC of Boston.

George Russell, conservation agent for Franklin, said that this is the third solar array proposal that Franklin has considered in just the last few months. Currently, there’s one solar array in town, located on Union Street.

Russell said they’re working with Industria Engineering in Hopkinton to finalize a potential design"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190116/large-solar-array-proposed-franklin

The new proposal for this solar array is located not far from the first one on the Mount St Mary's Abbey property which provides Franklin with about 90% of the electricity supply. The existing solar farm is located to the left of the big bend in Upper Union shown on the map. There is also a wind turbine across the street from the 'big bend' on the map.

The public hearing notice just came in for the Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan 31, 2019.

"Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on a Notice of Intent filed by Kearsarge Upper Union LLC of Boston, MA for installation of photovoltaic solar array in open farmed field in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands.

This project is located at 1061 Upper Union Street"

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/upper_union_street_solar.pdf

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Saturday, January 6, 2018

"Congratulations on the Town of Franklin’s designation as a Green Community!"

Here is the official letter from the MA State Department of Energy Resources announcing the "Green Community" award for Franklin:

This announcement had been posted here at the beginning of the month
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-gains-green-community-status.html

You can also find the letter on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin.gc11.ltr_1.pdf

solar panels at Mt St Mary's Abbey provide over 90% of Franklin's electricity

Sunday, July 9, 2017

"protect the environment, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the wake of President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, local officials and environmental advocates remain committed to combating climate change.

After all, that work is a win-win by saving money and helping the planet, they say. And, the growth of green energy creates jobs.

“It’s our future and cities and states are stepping up,” said Ellen Tohn, co-chairwoman of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee. “The responsibility falls to us and Wayland is embracing it. Whatever the federal government does or doesn’t do, we’re moving forward.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170708/locals-take-steps-to-slow-climate-change-despite-feds-pulling-out-of-paris-climate-agreement

new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html

The MDN article on the Santa Foundation receiving the free solar system (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

"a free solar system for a local nonprofit organization"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"This is the time of year when the Santa Foundation is giving presents - last Tuesday, its office was full of wrapped gifts ready for distribution to needy families in town.

That day, though, the local charity received a gift of its own: a 5.4-kilowatt solar array on the roof of its Joy Street headquarters.

The donation - made by Ashland firm SolarFlair Energy - was the result of the successful completion of the Franklin Solar Challenge campaign in 2015. The challenge, based on the state's Solarize Massachusetts program, offered increasing tiers of savings for residents who agree to put solar systems on their properties. SolarFlair administered that campaign."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council.

Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street.

According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them.

"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds?

A copy of the Citizens Comment made to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct 5 was obtained after the meeting and shared here:

Dear Council Members and Officials,

Solar Photovoltaic Systems and other sustainability based energy solution are key components of our future. However, their installation and placement needs to be carefully managed for safety and the community characteristics Franklin offers its residents.

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds? This according to my conversations with Building Commissioner- Lloyd Brown, when discussing a 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street. The installation is on the side lot of 42 Prospect Street, Franklin's first designated scenic road, the lot borders my property. Under the garden shed guidelines no screening from the road is required nor protective fencing is necessary for safety to shield children and others from accessing the energized electrical components.

completed installation

The 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street was complete weeks ago and signed-off by the inspections and building department. Now all of a sudden the panels were removed, stacked neatly and modifications are being made? Possibly to add more panels? I have contacted the inspections and building department who indicated no work should be taking place but the work continues?

left: rework underway; right: before installation

I urge the council, zoning board and town officials to consider specific zoning and permitting guidelines for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems that include; Solar panel quantity limitations, screening and setback requirements from roads and adjoining properties along with safety measures to protect children and others from accessing the electrified components.

I also encourage each of you to visit the 42 Prospect Street installation to understand the full impact undefined Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems permitting guidelines are having on our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Swetz

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Solar Legislation into Law

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito were joined by a bipartisan group of legislators to sign solar legislation into law to continue the expansion of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and establish a long-term framework for sustainable solar development in our state. The bill, An Act Relative to Solar Energy, passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support and achieves the Baker-Polito Administration’s goal of reducing costs to ratepayers while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards the greenhouse gas reduction requirements set forth under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).

“This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future and we look forward to collaborating with the legislature on an omnibus energy bill that includes cost-effective, hydropower generation.”

You can read the full press release here
http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governor-signs-comprehensive-solar-legislation-into-law.html

You can find the legislative document here
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S1979

Commonwealth of MA

Friday, December 18, 2015

In the News: solar funding announced, Santa Skate Sunday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of a $30 million residential solar loan program on Thursday.

The program will support Massachusetts lenders with loans between $3,000 and $60,000 with low, fixed interest rates to homeowners throughout the commonwealth who opt to add solar panels to their home and is also available to borrowers with lower credit scores or incomes. For homeowners who adopt solar energy, the program also provides long-term financing options.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216352/1994/NEWS

The Franklin Youth Hockey Association will hold Santa Skate from 6:10 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Pirelli Veteran's Arena, 910 Panther Way.

All ages are welcome to skate and take photos with Santa. Admission costs $5 or a small bag of nonperishable food items to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.