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Sudbury committee updates on DPW solar, extra energy credits, Fairbank and school roof plans
Summary
Committee members reported delivery of a transformer for the DPW solar project, discussed where to apply excess solar credits (Goodnow Library favored), confirmed Fairbank and Atkinson rooftop projects and MSBA engagement for Nixon and Haines schools, and provided an EV charging update for the library.
Sandra, staff member for the Town of Sudbury Sustainability Committee, reported that Eversource delivered the transformer needed for the Department of Public Works (DPW) rooftop solar installation and that panel installation is complete.
"Eversource has, come through and and delivered the transformer," Sandra said. She described follow‑up work required to switch the meter and the town's pending approval to operate (permission to operate) from the utility and interconnection authority.
Committee members discussed how to allocate surplus generation from the DPW array. Sandra said the system will produce more energy than the DPW building requires and the committee should decide where to apply the resulting net metering or credit value. "Where do we put those extra credits? Right? Because we're gonna make a lot more," she said, adding that Goodnow Library is under consideration despite rooftop limitations and historic‑district constraints.
On town facilities, Sandra reported the Fairbank project design is complete and the power purchase agreement (PPA) is signed. An Atkinson full‑roof contract is signed and roof work is scheduled for August with solar expected in the fall. On school buildings, Sandra said the town entered the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) accelerated repair program; schematic designs and cost estimates for two roofs are expected in June, a submission to the MSBA board in August, and a fall town meeting to seek funding approval if the MSBA board approves the budget. The two schools named for MSBA work were identified as Nixon and Haines.
The committee noted the town received a $30,000 Green Communities grant to purchase two Ford F‑150 electric trucks for municipal use. Sandra also said the library EV charging project is advancing: a kickoff has occurred, a schedule of values is approved, and a four‑charger installation with stub‑outs for two additional chargers and a handhold is planned; adding the additional handhold will require an electrical service upgrade.
Members discussed options for applying DPW solar credits to high‑use town buildings that are not good rooftop solar candidates, with the Goodnow Library named as a possible recipient. No final decision was recorded; members said the committee must decide soon given the timing of interconnection and billing credits.
The committee also noted ongoing work toward broader school solar readiness under the MSBA process and that an owner's project manager has been assigned to assist with roof design and cost estimating.
No formal votes on project allocations were taken at this meeting; members agreed to continue planning and to coordinate with the town manager's office and finance staff on next steps.
