Easthampton Mayor Michael A. Tautznik said the city could save $90,000 a year in electric costs.
EASTHAMPTON – The city’s solar array is now generating electricity.
The array went on line Friday after those involved with the system were able to solve several problems including one insuring the system would automatically shut off in the case of live wires.
“I am very pleased that the facility has met all the requirements necessary to safely operate as a part of the WMECO. electricity distribution grid,” Mayor Michael A. Tautznik said in a prepared statement. “It’s been a real challenge to all involved and I am confident that the lessons learned here will make the process easier for those who follow our lead.”
The array was the first such project under construction in the state. The 2.3-megawatt installation is expected to save residents $1.5 million on power over 10 years.
Work was completed in December but several issues had to be resolved before it could become operational.
Tautznik expects the city will save more than $90,000 the first year of production.
According to Borrego Solar Systems Inc., which installed the system, the site is estimated to produce 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity in the first year, Tautznik said.
Each kilowatt-hour will cost the city $0.06 and will result in an estimated utility credit of $0.09047, he said in an email. That means positive cash flow of $0.03047 per kilowatt-hour.
That savings will be distributed to five city electricity accounts. Ten percent each to the public safety and municipal building accounts, 15 percent to the Hendrick Street drinking water plant, 30 percent to the cost of streetlights and 35 percent to the wastewater treatment plant, he said.
Anyone wishing to see the electricity production can follow the following link at the city’s website.
Solar projects have come on line in Holyoke and Springfield. Ludlow officials signed a lease with Borrego in March and Amherst officials are still planning to move ahead with a project on a capped landfill in that town, among the area communities seeking power from the sun.