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Rooftop solar study shows modest near‑term savings; board asks for broader scoping
Summary
A PA Solar Center feasibility review estimated rooftop panels would offset about 28% of the township facility’s electric cost (roughly $9,000/year) but showed a long payback under conservative assumptions; board asked ESAC and staff to explore larger or ground‑mounted options and return with further analysis.
A solar feasibility review presented to East Goshen supervisors found rooftop panels could reduce the township facility’s electric bill but — under conservative assumptions used in the analysis — would not produce rapid payback.
The nonprofit PA Solar Center modeled a rooftop array that the consultant estimated would offset roughly 28 percent of the site’s current electricity costs, producing approximately $9,000 in annual savings under the scenario shown to the board. Because the analysis used conservative escalation and pricing assumptions and because available federal tax‑credit or investment‑tax‑credit scenarios have strict project‑start timing requirements, the study showed a longer‑term break‑even (the analysis cited an approximate payback in the mid‑teens of years). One federal credit scenario would materially improve finances but required work to start within a narrow window that staff said made it impractical for a near‑term town project.
Board members said the PA Solar Center analysis was useful but underwhelming for a single rooftop. Several supervisors suggested ESAC and public‑works staff map other township‑owned sites within the service area (including small ground arrays) that could produce better economics when aggregated. Staff will post the consultant’s report publicly and ESAC will continue homework on possible alternate locations and project scales.
No procurement or funding decision was made Monday.
