Lowell reports building weatherization and school solar projects under way

At the meeting the sustainability department reported an underway package of energy-efficiency projects across municipal facilities and schools, and updated the council on rooftop solar installations.

Work under contract includes building envelope weatherization (insulation, window and door sealing, roof-wall joints), HVAC motor and variable-frequency-drive replacements at several schools, and upgrades at public works and parks facilities. Staff noted state incentives substantially reduce net out-of-pocket costs for motor and drive retrofits; examples discussed showed projects dropping from roughly six-figure estimates to small municipal expenditures after incentives.

Staff also reported that rooftop solar construction is completed at Wang, Robinson and McAuliffe schools and is underway at the high school; the installations are being deployed under third-party ownership models (power-purchase agreements or leases) so external firms own and maintain systems while the city receives contracted energy savings. The sustainability division said it is seeking drone photographs and outreach materials to post on social media when systems are energized.

The department emphasized weatherization as a priority "low-hanging fruit," noting that envelope and control upgrades reduce energy bills and prepare buildings for eventual electrification. Council members asked staff to share photos and performance data once systems are activated so the council and public can track energy savings.