A solar array to be built on town-owned land on Aiken Street is on track to be constructed by the end of summer, according to developers.
The 1,100-panel array, which will produce about 368 kilowatts, will not be owned by the town, but by the developer, N.H. Solar Garden. However, the town will be purchasing the power to run its government buildings, particularly the wastewater treatment plant on Aiken Street, at a cost of one cent per kilowatt hour less than the town is paying for electricity now.
That will save the town approximately $3,400 per year in electricity costs, based upon its current rate. The town will also receive $8,000 per year in lease payments from N.H. Solar Garden.
Solar Garden is waiting on one more permit to begin construction, according to the company’s founder, Andrew Kellar. However, the project is on track to meet its completed construction goal and be operation before the snow flies this year.