Brookfield Signs Solar Energy Contract
A Virginia firm has signed a 20-year contract with Brookfield town officials to finance, own and operate a 434-kilowatt solar energy project on a capped landfill behind the town transfer station.
The company, Washington Gas Energy Systems, of McLean, Va., said construction of the ground-mounted solar array is expected to be completed next month and will result in "substantial savings" in the town's utility bills. The array will help power nearly all of Brookfield's government functions, including it schools, emergency response, street lighting and the town hall.
"Small towns like ours were hit hard by the economic downturn, and anytime we can find a way to generate revenue for the town, it's a plus," said Brookfield Selectman Rudy Heller, who has worked on the project with a committee of volunteers since its inception, according to a statement distributed by Washington Gas. "If at the same time we reduce our carbon footprint, everybody wins. We are very pleased that this project is coming to fruition."
The solar photovoltaic system is expected to produce more than 500,000 kilowatt hours of energy in the first year, which is equivalent to the total annual electrical usage of almost 100 average single-family homes, the company said. The 1,846 solar panels will cover approximately 3 acres on the landfill, located at 15 Quaboag St.
The deal comes nearly six weeks after Washington gas signed a similar contract with officials in Bellingham. The project for that town will involve a 3,802-kilowatt solar array located in Douglas, which the company expects to complete in late June. The ground-mounted installation will consist of 12,672 panels and is expected to save the town's school system about $6 million in energy costs over 20 years.
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