Franklin Solar Challenge - Public Meeting on September 10, 2014

All:  The Town has received proposals from six Solar Panel Installation Companies for the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  I am working with a Proposal Review Committee made up of four Town residents who volunteered to review the proposals and interview the solar installation companies. Interviews took place today (September 3rd) and the Proposal Review Committee has identified two finalist. The Committee will conduct further review of the two finalists to assure the Town chooses the solar installation company that is right for the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  Both companies are well qualified and have implemented similar projects in other Massachusetts communities.

Which ever solar installation company is chosen for the Franklin Solar Challenge they will be in attendance at a meeting on September 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 355 East Central Street. The company will provide specifics about their company and general information on solar panel installation costs and the different options available.

I hope all interested residents and small businesses are able to attend next week's meeting.  If not able to attend next week there will be many other opportunities in the near future to obtain the same information, including at the Harvest Festival on October 5th. Either way, the solar installation company chosen by the Town will begin contacting all individuals that previously provided the Town with contact information.   

In addition to the solar installation company chosen for the Franklin Solar Challenge, a partnering energy audit company will be in attendance at next week's meeting.  It is not required, but strongly recommended that all property owners considering solar panels first have a free energy audit performed. Additional information will be provided at next week's meeting. 

I look forward to working with the Town's residents and small businesses on the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038-1352

Phone: 508-520-4907

Fax: 508-520-4906

Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey

-------------------------------------------------------

This email is intended for municipal / educational use only and must comply with the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public School's policies and state/federal laws. Under Massachusetts Law, any email created or received by an employee of The Town of or Franklin Public Schools is considered a public record.  All email correspondence is subject to the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 66. This email may contain confidential and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies.

Solar Challenge: Informational Meeting Summary

The Milford Daily News reported on the informational meeting on Wednesday writing in part:

The Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development held an informational meeting on Wednesday night to call attention to its "Solar Challenge," a program modeled after the state’s Solarize Massachusetts that aims to boost the use of photovoltaic energy in town. 

The more residents who sign on to have solar panels installed, the more the cost for the work drops. People can purchase a solar energy system directly or enter into a lease or power purchase agreement in which the installer will own and maintain the panels while the home or business owner purchases the power generated at a reduced rate. 

Planning Director Bryan Taberner said the department will continue marketing the program and eventually hire a solar contractor. Residents seeking more information about the program can call 508-520-4907. 

Nearly 80 people attended the meeting, underscoring the level of interest that town officials have seen so far.

Continue reading the full article (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140821/NEWS/140829262/1994/NEWS

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's earlier this year

My reporting on the presentation can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge.html

the Q&A section of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge-q.html

the actual presentation documents used can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-presentation-copies.html

Solar Challenge: presentation copies

The introductory slides for the Solar Challenge meeting held in Franklin on Aug 20, 2014

Solar in Franklin

You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzBFeXZRYXFLVlh0Z2I5NnZpTUtHSWZRVk1J/edit?usp=sharing

The 'solar 101' presentation copy

You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeW1vYnZUQ3p0ZjhxVndaRHM1YUJSNHR5dy0w/edit?usp=sharing

the solar farm at Mt Saint Mary's

Live reporting: Solar Challenge - Q&A

question on insurance?
there is insurance available per an insurance agent in the room

What happens after the life of the warranty?
panels are 25 year warranty
National Grid took 2 months to put a reverse meter on for one install

photo of presentation in Council Chambers

what assurance do we have that the companies are still in?
open to speculation

What is payback?
one homeowner is getting a payback in 5 years

Has seen some info on a chemical reaction that can cause hazardous waste?
there are no hazardous issues, can be disposed of industrial waste

In the winter, when it snows do you have to clear the snow?
in the winter, generally speaking, the bottom layer of the snow melts and it slides off all at once
in terms of the panels themselves, there is no maintenance required

maintains spreadsheet on production, 8,000 KW hours per year
saw same results in Concord program, a 4-5 year payback on a 25 year system
better return than the stock market
key factor is the SREC, a guaranteed revenue

can you bank the SRECs?
there are companies that will broker or manage the SRECs
the aggregator will play the market to gain the revenue

How long can you stockpile SRECs?
up to one year
SREC should last for some time
managed growth category SREC II is open for the 10 years

have an app on the cell phone to see status up to the minute

Can I ask about net metering?
generally the credits generated are not paid for by the electric companies
there are three load zones in the state, can use the credits to virtually net meter

Does pay $6 something a month for using the grid as an electrical resource
Electric companies will likely look to get that changed but it will take time

Panels were spec'ed out to cover two electric cars

Quick example with rounded dollars

stepping down for a 6 KW system
24,000
one third eligible for tax credit
down to 16,000
1,000 for MA CEC credit
1,000 for State
down to 14,000

saving 1,000 on electric
gaining 2,000 on SRECs
so you have 3,000 per year income

14,000 up front expense with a 3,000 year income calculates a less than 5 year payback

Can you clarify what the Franklin Solar Challenge will do?

will be using an agreggator, one installer to get the buying power as a group

next steps to process the RFP to choose the installer
start on Sept 10 to community outreach for the installers, etc.

great low group pricing to take advantage of
a community effort, maybe 10-15 hours a week to help spread the word

what if 1,000 residences signed up?

there is a pre-qualification process, use the suneye to evaluate
consider the design, think about financials, make a decision
then the installations will occur, it can take from 2 to 6 months

once the contract is signed, the rebates can be used
can't get rebate after system being installed

Will installer check roof for assessment?

yes, installer will be able to do that

There are options for everyone to do something

Live reporting: Solar Challenge

Factoid: 

The Town of Franklin has at least 75 individually owned solar panel projects that generate over 6.2MW.

Brett Feldman, Town Councilor

In Franklin for 10 years, now a homeowner and looking to go solar. Has been a driving influence behind the community effort to get a group project for solar going. It will help to control costs that are within the individuals realm.
A quick poll of how folks heard revealed Milford Daily News, Gazette, Franklin Matters, town website, Twitter, etc.

Derrick Mathieu, Planner

only 58 projects in the state over 7M cost, 2 are here in Franklin
looking to coordinate with a local solar provider, proposals are due back from the vendors this Friday. Would evaluate the proposals and determine the successful vendors.
one person needed to work 10-15 hours per month
a rebate is available but expiring soon
social media coordination, event planning all to be done before the end of the year

Elizabeth Youngblood, project manager, MA Clean Energy Center (CEC)

to present a 'solar 101'

MA CEC funded by renewal energy trust from each power bill
looking to grow this area of clean energy
work with interns and other energy companies
they operate the commonwealth solar rebate program
MA is looking to do their own solar challenge

solar by comparison with other energy sources renewal or otherwise - solar is huge
MA is good for solar
MA has 9th highest energy prices in US, a reason to go solar

cost of systems had been about $8/watt (2009)
now with rebates it has come down to about $5/watt

comparison of maps from 2006 to 2013 shows a dramatic increase in individual solar systems

what makes a good site?

• southern facing
• roof pitched at 30-45 degrees
• at least 4-6 hours of direct sun
• open roof area of ~100 sq ft per 1KW
• open space for a pole mounted system

brief explanation of net metering
use of power within the house from the panels, when not being used, it can be passed out to the electrical grid and purchased by the electric company

during a power outage, the system does turn off, unless there is a battery backup system installed

solarmetric suneye

tool that will evaluate the tree coverage to help determine the sun exposure you have
Info on suneye   http://www.solmetric.com/

photo of presentation in Council Chamber

solar incentives in MA

• Federal and state tax credits available
• MA CEC rebate available
• net metering

quarterly funding blocks
around 1,000 applications per quarter approx.
$1.5M available
looking at systems up to 5KW
rebate approx 25 cents per watt
go to www.MassCEC/solar to learn more about this program

last funding block opening in October, once fully subscribed the program will close

minimum technical requirements for installers, UL and California standards to be met

40-60% of homes may not be good for solar
go energy efficiency first, or consider solar hot water which is less forgiving

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC)
SREC II started this year

Ownership models

• individual
• third party ownership

eyoungblood@masscec.com


shifting to Q&A session

Franklin Solar Challenge - information meeting tonight

Join us for our kick-off meeting, Wednesday August 20 at 7PM in Town Council Chambers! 

The Dept. of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) wants to know if Franklin wants solar panels. The Franklin Solar Challenge will help residents and business owners obtain solar panels for less. The more residents and business owners that sign up, the cheaper solar panels become. 

Right now, DPCD is speaking with other communities who have run their own Solar Challenge, in order to see how best to move forward.

solar panels at Mt Saint Mary's

DPCD Needs Your SupportPlease help get the word out about the Franklin Solar Challenge. DPCD will contact those interested to organize a meeting date and discuss next steps. 

Concord recently engaged in their own Solar Challenge and now 160 residents and business owners have their own solar panels. Save money and go green! Contact Franklin’s DPCD today!

Interested in the Franklin Solar Challenge?
Please Contact the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning & Community Development at:
(508) 520 – 4907 or TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us

Interested in Solar? Meeting August 20

Join us for our kick-off meeting, Wednesday August 20 at 7PM in Town Council Chambers! 

The Dept. of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) wants to know if Franklin wants solar panels. The Franklin Solar Challenge will help residents and business owners obtain solar panels for less. The more residents and business owners that sign up, the cheaper solar panels become. 

Right now, DPCD is speaking with other communities who have run their own Solar Challenge, in order to see how best to move forward.

solar panels at Mt Saint Mary's

DPCD Needs Your SupportPlease help get the word out about the Franklin Solar Challenge. DPCD will contact those interested to organize a meeting date and discuss next steps. 

Concord recently engaged in their own Solar Challenge and now 160 residents and business owners have their own solar panels. Save money and go green! Contact Franklin’s DPCD today!

Interested in the Franklin Solar Challenge?
Please Contact the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning & Community Development at:
(508) 520 – 4907 or TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us

Franklin, there is still time to solarize your residence

Solarize Franklin is still looking for folks that are interested in solar power. Details are in the flyer shown here:



To learn more about the program visit the Solarize Mass webpage here
http://www.masscec.com/solarizemass

If you are interested in participating, you can contact Franklin's Dept of Planning and Community Development by calling 508-520-4907 or via email at TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us

Solarize Franklin

On the Town Council agenda for Wednesday was the reference to "Solarize Franklin". The reference lead to the posting of this flyer on the town website.




To learn more about the program visit the Solarize Mass webpage here
http://www.masscec.com/solarizemass

If you are interested in participating, you can contact Franklin's Dept of Planning and Community Development by calling 508-520-4907 or via email at TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us

Walking Upper Union to the solar farm

Once to the top of Mount St, I decided to walk down to the solar farm. The road was quiet. The fields lie fallow and brown.

brown and waiting for spring

The new poles lined this section of Upper Union

The sun tried its hardest to burn through the clouds

The new poles lined the solar farm

solar panels working but you'd hardly notice

I turned around here to head for home. Stay tuned for the next segment from the Saturday walk.

Solar farm photos from June 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

from July 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/mount-st-marys-solar-farm-update.html

from Oct 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/solar-farm-update.html

Mount St trees and new utility poles

Mount St is one of my regular walking or running routes. It is a challenge to make the climb but worth every step. When I heard that "every large tree" was being removed to make way for some new power lines, I was concerned. I got out to Mount St last weekend to take a walk and some photos. Less than 10 large trees were cut leaving many others in place.

corner of Summer and Mount streets

three large trees down on the right approaching Summer St

midway up the hill, the tree line is still full

this monster of an old tree is still growing

another large tree near the slight curve before the crest

new poles are taller than the poles being replaced

The prior posting on the Mount St tree issue can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/why-mount-st-where-did-this-come-from.html

Why Mount St? Where did this come from?

Mount St resident Judith Cobb writes:

I am writing to alert all those of you who may have dealings with the Town of Franklin (Or other town governments), solar companies with promises, and National Grid. Not so long ago Franklin granted a permit to a solar company to install a farm which would grant all sorts of electrical benefits to the town. I am a supporter of solar energy. The word at the time was that it would be kind to the land and would connect to the Grid through the Union St. Industrial Park. Very soon after all the large roadside trees were cleared from the site.

Read the remainder of her letter here: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x1467731152/Cobb-Franklin-solar-project-hurts-neighborhood#ixzz2jxORIJ1B


Helen Markee had also commented on a prior solar panel update:

This project may be great for the town but not for the Franklin residents who live on Mount St. In order to connect the solar farm into the electrical grid, National Grid has decided to run the 23 thousand volt power line along Mount St, which already has three power lines crossing it, one twenty three thousand volt line and two one hundred and fifteen thousand volt power transmission lines. This decision was made and the work started without notifying any of the residents on Mount St about this additional power line. Other routes for this new power line are available which would not increase the harmful electromagnetic radiation exposure to the Mount St residents. Running this type of power line along a street by itself would not normally be a hazard, but combined with the effects of three other power transmission lines already crossing it greatly increase the risk of health related issues including cancer. Perhaps the residents of Mount St in Franklin don't Matter!

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/solar-farm-update.html

Solar Farm (update)

The solar farm installed at Mount St Mary's Abbey is still being worked on. While many of the solar panels have been placed, there is more to do.

solar panels

The chain link fence has been completed since I visited last time. A row of juniper bushes (I think?) have been added as a green wall to shield the solar farm from view

fencing completed, juniper bushes added

There are still sections of panels to install to complete the solar farm.

more solar panels to install

Related posts on the development of the solar farm
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/13-megawatts-of-energy-from-solar-farm.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/mount-st-marys-solar-farm-update.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

"We are moving along"

As shown with photos shared here, the solar farm up at the Mount St Mary's Abbey is making progress and part of it should go live in October.

National Grid, the town’s primary electricity provider, still has to perform some final safety and security checks, he said. 

The town will purchase the energy generated by the farm at a reduced rate. 

Kearsarge will begin work on the remaining 3 megawatts in the next 60 days. The complete farm will power about 70 percent of the town’s municipal and school buildings, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868836759/Portion-of-Franklins-solar-farm-nears-completion#ixzz2eZn13qA3

solar farm in July 2013

More photos from July 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/mount-st-marys-solar-farm-update.html

Photos from June 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

Mount St Mary's - solar farm (update)

Catching up to some photos on the progress of the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey which straddles Franklin and Wrentham.

solar panels being installed

These are slick and shiny on an overcast day, I can just image how bright they'll be on a day with glorious sunshine!

gentle slope for the solar panels

slick and shiny on an overcast day

The first photos showing the solar farm construction can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

Mount St Mary's - solar farm

The sisters of Mount St Mary's Abbey installed a wind turbine a couple of years ago. It helps to power their candy store operations.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/mount-st-marys-new-candy-house.html

You can purchase their candy on site or via their web store  http://www.trappistinecandy.com/

Mt St Mary's Abbey - wind turbine

The wind turbine in action as captured in a 2010 video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html


Recently they signed an agreement with the Town of Franklin to install a solar farm. The Town Council voted in November 2012 to approve the deal.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/real-time-reporting-legislation.html

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm

I stopped by on Sunday to grab these photos of the construction underway for this solar farm.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 2

The frames are sturdy and follow the contour of the ground.  Completely installed the farm is reported to generate 6 megawatts of electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 3

The galvanized steel (?) is shining in the sunlight. When the panels are installed the sunlight will be generating electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 4

Additional links
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/its-win-win-for-town.html

Mount St Mary's Abbey = http://abbey.msmabbey.org/

Celebrating Solar at FUSF

The 1 year anniversary of the solar installation at the First Universalist Society of Franklin was celebrated on Sunday, Mar 17. This was the rescheduled date. It was snowed out in February.

FUSF solar installation

John Tehan, Solar Power Sales Representative for Second Generation Energy provided an overview of the electricity generated and savings that resulted.

John Tehan presenting

His presentation document can be viewed here:

FUSF Presentation by Steve Sherlock

John's talk was rather interactive as many questions were answered along the way. Some of my notes from this session can be found here:

• MA is the second best state in the US (behind California) for solar energy when considering two key factors. One, the exposure to sun. Two, the cost of electricity.
• The FUSF panels were projected to generate 11,511 KwH and actually generated 12,693.
• The KwHs generated are the equivalent of 21 barrels of oil, or 1004 gallons of gas, or by planting 230 trees.

There are five key factors that help MA residents take advantage of solar

1. Clean Energy Center provides rebates
2. There is a 30% Federal tax credit
3. There is a 15% state tax credit
4. Solar should provide savings on purchasing electricity
5. There are Solar Renewal Energy Credits (SREC) currently worth about $200 per credit per year.

• They use a special device that will calculate the sun and shade for the houses roof. If the exposure is not more than 80%, it is not likely to be recommended to install solar.
• One side benefit from a solar panel installation is that there is a reduction in icebanks on the roof. The panels heat up as they generate electricity which melts the snow and can create some avalanches as the snow slides off the roof.

If you are interested in exploring solar panels for your residence, feel free to contact John directly.

John Tehan
Solar Power Sales RepresentativeSecond Generation Energy12 Rosenfeld DriveHopedale, MA 01747 Office: 800-653-4270

jtehan@sgegroup.com

If you would like to view the solar energy monitor for the FUSF installation visit this link
https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/vGRK57403

Three Franklin Events for Sunday, Mar 17th

1 - Start with the Community Garden. From 9:00 AM until noon there will be spring garden work and demonstrations
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/2013/03/spring-garden-celebration.html

2 - Help celebrate the solar installation at the First Universalist Society at 11:45 AM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/solar-anniversary-celebration.html

3 - Franklin celebrates it 235th birthday at the Historical Museum from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Historical Commission Chairwoman Deborah Pellegri knows exactly how far her town has come since March 2, 1778, the date of its incorporation. And this year she will renew a tradition of holding public celebrations of Franklin's birthday. 

Pellegri, also the town clerk, invites one and all to a special party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. In addition to wishing Franklin a happy birthday, she will recognize, as well, several residents born on March 2. 

Emma Newton, a 13-year-old harpist from Franklin, will perform, as well as local singer/songwriter Jamie Barrett, who’ll play "The City Known as the Town of Franklin," his ode to the town.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433797648/Franklin-to-celebrate-235th-birthday#ixzz2NhGy7Q9g

Jamie Barrett's "The City Known as the Town of Franklin"




And an alternative to these three events would be to get to Boston to see the boys hockey team play in the State Championship game

“It’s a win-win for the town"

A solar farm could be coming to Franklin.

Kearsarge Energy, a renewable energy firm founded in 2009, approached town officials last fall with a proposal to construct the 6-megawatt farm on land owned by Mount St. Mary’s Trappistine Abbey. 

The farm would provide the town’s municipal buildings and schools with 60 percent of their power. 

In the deal, Franklin would receive net metering credits through the farm. With net metering, the town would offset electrical usage by generating its own electricity, and, in this case, it would be reducing the amount of electricity purchased from National Grid.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1073621464/Franklin-looks-at-large-solar-farm#ixzz21X9lg4JY

In the News: Solar panels, students walk

Franklin company receives $161K solar panel rebate

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

----

Students walk the walk for health

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA