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Town staff reports progress on local solar arrays and EV chargers, flags trade‑offs for wastewater site
Summary
Town staff updated the committee that the Putnam Farms barn solar (3.9 kW) is operating with grant funding, EV charger hardware is installed at multiple sites pending final energizing, and the DPW solar interconnection is signed — while debate continues over whether to clear forested land for wastewater plant solar versus pursuing rooftop or other alternatives.
A town staff member updated the Energy & Climate Action Committee that the Putnam Farms barn solar array is now operational and is primarily powering on‑site refrigeration. "It's up and running," the staff member said, noting the 3.9‑kilowatt array was funded by a Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources with matching funds from the conservation fund.
The staff member also reported that EV charging hardware is installed at sites on Main Street and Old Colony Way but that final energizing by Eversource remains outstanding; once the circuits are energized a contractor (Voltrek) will program the systems. "There has been consistent messaging from them that the project has been energized and it's done and we're good to go. And I say, no, we've still got work to do here," the staff member said, adding that the projects are expected to be completed once the utility completes the final connections.
For the DPW building the interconnection agreement is signed and permitting work is underway; staff expect the solar project to proceed without additional costs but cautioned that the select board may need to waive an electrical permit to keep the timetable. Committee members asked whether more EV chargers could be sited near the wastewater treatment plant; staff explained regulatory constraints because the project crosses different lots and Eversource will not approve a multi‑lot project.
The group debated siting trade‑offs for the wastewater parcel, weighing the financial benefits of on‑site generation against environmental impacts. One committee member warned against clear‑cutting forest for a relatively small percentage of the plant's demand, and staff suggested exploring alternative generation options such as using sludge to produce on‑site energy or pilot grants for other technologies.
Committee members clarified tax‑incentive calculations for municipal projects that use bonding: staff described the project as being "at 50% with a 15% deduction," which members framed as a 35% net direct‑pay benefit after the bonded deduction was applied. Members asked staff to continue exploring options that balance financial return with environmental protection.
Next steps: staff will continue permitting and coordination with Eversource and Voltrek, pursue the DPW interconnection timeline, and return with more detailed cost and load‑percentage estimates for the wastewater and landfill/rooftop options.
