School committee approves moving forward with Select solar projects for two Methuen schools

The Methuen School Committee on Aug. 11 voted to advance a proposal from Select Energy to install rooftop solar systems at Tenney Elementary School and the Comprehensive Grammar School, with a separate Timoney Elementary project contingent on replacing that building’s roof.

The committee’s 6–1 roll-call vote authorized staff to continue contract discussions and send the projects to the City Council and mayor for the city-level approvals those city-owned buildings require. Member Maxwell cast the lone no vote.

The projects have secured interconnection service agreements from National Grid, a key utility approval Select said clears the way to construct systems “behind the meter” at each building. Select told the committee the Tenney and CGS roofs are new and suitable for a long-term installation; the Timoney roof will need replacement before panels are placed there, and that project can be paused until the roof work is completed.

Select presented financial projections showing improved economics under the next phase of the state’s SMART incentive program (referred to in Select’s slides as SMART 3), which opens to applications Oct. 15. Select estimated the three-school package’s 20-year nominal net value rose from about $4.1 million under current incentives to about $5.5 million with the new SMART iteration, and suggested average annual district savings of roughly $275,000 over 20 years. Select said the increased state incentive will be passed through to the district as a lower power-purchase agreement rate.

Committee members asked about roof warranties, snow management, safety during installations, and what happens at the end of the 20-year term. Select said the company typically secures roofing-manufacturer sign-offs in writing so warranties remain intact, will shut down electrical work before roof maintenance or emergency snow removal, and is contractually obligated to remove the array at the end of the PPA if needed; panels may be recycled, remarketed or the term mutually extended.

Committee discussion also covered timelines and next steps. Select said construction for Tenney and CGS could be scheduled quickly and production could be energized in early 2026, with installation plausibly completed before the end of 2025; Timoney’s timeline depends on roof replacement and possible grant funding for that capital work. The superintendent and mayor confirmed the projects will need City Council approvals and city permitting (electrical and building permits) before installation can proceed.

Why it matters: the committee’s vote advances a capital-energy strategy that Select projected would lower district electricity costs and free recurring operating dollars. The projects still require city approvals, permits and final contracting. The Timoney installation remains conditional on roof work and on managing federal/state incentives for projects placed in service in time to capture certain tax credits.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with contracting steps, complete remaining structural redesigns and submit permits. The City Council will consider the projects next, and Select said it is queuing SMART 3 incentive applications in October.