Swampscott explores using solar panels at schools

SWAMPSCOTT – The middle and high school could have solar panels installed by the end of the year if all goes according to plan.Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said the installation of solar panels was recommended by Johnson Controls, a company that did an energy audit in town last year.”We’re doing a little more analysis,” he said. “But it’s possible using solar panels on the roof of the middle and high school could save the town $420,000 over a 20-year period.”Maylor said School Business Manager Ed Cronin has been crunching numbers and working with the outside vendor to determine the feasibility of the projects.Attempts to reach Cronin were unsuccessful Monday but Maylor said a letter of intent has been signed with a company to indicate the town has an interest in pursuing the installation of the panels at both sites. He explained an independent company would purchase, install and maintain the panels.”The company does it in exchange for the energy tax credits,” Maylor said. “If we were to try and do it ourselves I’m not sure it would be cost effective because governmental entities are not eligible for tax credits.”Maylor said the company buying and installing the solar panels would sell the energy to the town at less than what it would cost to buy energy from National Grid, which is where the town would save money.”It would save money and is environmentally friendly,” Maylor said. “It’s a win-win. It’s a pretty aggressive time schedule but if this goes forward I think it could be completed by the end of the year.”