(by Kathryn A. Burger - September 02, 2008)
School districts and businesses could benefit from a complex and relatively new plan derived from the state’s commitment to alternative power strategies: the use of solar panels.
At its Aug. 25 meeting, the Park Ridge Board of Education’s architect called the plan, “an incredible opportunity to provide clean, renewable energy at zero percent tax increase.”
Joseph Di Cara, A.I.A., of Di Cara Rubino Architects of Wayne, gave board members an overview of how the district could produced about 30 percent of its electrical power through the use of the panels, reducing its energy costs by a like amount. The savings, combined with the probability of generating revenue through the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, and state grants to underwrite part of the bonding required to install the equipment, all add up to no additional tax burden, Di Cara said.
Di Cara’s outline of the proposal came “fast and furious” and for those not conversant in the finer points of architecture, solar energy, kilowatts, bonding, debt service and futures’ trading, it was a lot to digest.
Di Cara said there are 60 districts in the state who are in line for the state program. He estimated the cost to purchase and install the panels on the district’s three schools at $1.7 million. Among the prerequisites that each district must satisfy to participate in the program is that the roofs are in good condition, preferably no more than a few years old. As the board continues to grapple with formulating a plan for the repair and maintenance of the district’s infrastructure, as well as educational priorities, some board members felt this plan could be a first step.
Joseph Bruno, the board president, said the board had already identified primary infrastructure needs: new windows, new roofs, and heating/air conditioning system improvements. “We have to start somewhere,” he said, indicating the solar panel plan could be the first step in the long-range plan.
At the board’s next meeting, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, Di Cara is expected to provide financial worksheets – one for each of the district’s three schools, and one that combines all three – for the board’s consideration.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
