Town to explore solar options
By Jason Gabak
Editor
Alternative energy options have been an important issue to Town Supervisor Jim Lanning.
Since campaigning and taking office, Lanning has kept the idea of pursuing solar energy options at the center of his platform.
On April 6 the town will host a special meeting at 7 p.m. at the Skaneateles Fire Station with Chris Carrick from the CNYRPDB who will be presenting the goals and objectives of the potential program at the town transfer station.
“The environment is very important to me both globally and locally,” Lanning said. “I would like to continue to slowly move away from fossil fuel usage. This should also have tremendous cost savings for both the town municipality and the residents. Town residents pay some of the highest electric rates in the nation. We should be allowed to reduce those rates with this project.”
Lanning explained this project came about as a result of recent legislation and a new concept in solar production.
“Remote solar allows production in one location where the benefits can be enjoyed at another location,” Lanning said. “Customers will see a reduction in their rates without having panels on their roof or in their lawns. It is a form of solar farming. My work with the village hall project exposed me to Chris Carrick and Brian Pincelli from the CNYRPDB. We have maintained a good working relationship ever since and they brought this new concept to my attention this winter.”
Lanning said the benefits to the community are numerous.
“First we will be able to provide lower cost electric to the municipality, some town residents and the business community,” Lanning said. “This should be an incentive for businesses to expand and create jobs. We will reduce our community’s carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable energy model.”
According to Lanning the solar array will be located at the transfer station, which is viewed as prime location for such a solar array.
“Out of all the municipalities that expressed interest, our site was tops on the list for feasibility,” Lanning said. “The acreage and south facing exposure were considered ideal. Perhaps the greatest benefit will be that the municipality will not have to put up any capital investment or bonding. We will simply be required to sign contracts to purchase the reduced cost power.”
According to Lanning the town is also considering a few wind turbines that would help produce power around the clock.
After presenting this concept to the community, Lanning hopes to be able to move forward with the project.
“After we present this to the public the CNYRPDB will ask us to sign a letter of intent,” Lanning said. “They will then put out an RFP (request for proposal) to large solar companies to build the solar farm and negotiate the rates. Construction could begin as early as 2017.”
