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Committee plans business-focused solar roundtable and reviews school solar progress
Summary
Simsbury committee members proposed a business-centered solar roundtable or mini charrette to connect local businesses with experts and Green Bank financing options (PPAs and roof-lease models); members also heard that solar panels for Latimer Lane and the high school have been secured and that the PPA is being finalized.
Chair proposed organizing a solar roundtable or "mini charrette" aimed at the local business community to connect businesses considering solar with subject-matter experts and peer lessons learned. "For our business folks in Simsbury who are considering installing solar and have questions about it, how can we connect them with subject matter experts," the Chair said, framing the event as a mix of practical advice and peer discussion.
Baird pointed to Green Bank financing models that could lower barriers for businesses: "The Green Bank will actually lease your roof. So if you have a business or you have a building that has a roof, they will pay you every month to be able to put solar panels on your roof," Baird said, while also mentioning power-purchasing agreements (PPAs) as an alternative.
On school solar, Steve updated the committee that GreenSky secured panels for Latimer Lane and the high school and that the PPA contract is now being finalized; tax‑credit work is ongoing. Committee members discussed potential follow-up actions such as asking the school project lead (Tom Roy) whether smart meters or battery storage will be included and the cost estimates for any interval metering.
Members encouraged outreach to local businesses and the Chamber and suggested the committee could serve as an organizer and convener while recruiting a technical facilitator for the event. The committee did not vote on any financing arrangements; next steps include scoping the roundtable format, identifying expert speakers (Green Bank contacts were suggested) and compiling business-targeted materials for the newsletter and social channels.
