Reading board weighs solar for town garage as municipal array outperforms expectations

The Reading Energy Board on Sept. 18 discussed whether grant funds can pay for a solar array at the town garage and heard an update showing the town's existing array exceeded its first-year expectations.

Lisa Silvester, a Reading Energy Board member, said the board received a response indicating the specific grants under consideration are not eligible to fund a solar array at the garage and that alternative funding sources would be needed. Brian Cali, a Reading Energy Board member, said a solar array paired with batteries would still be economical for the garage and that, over time, the system would pay back its costs. Cali told the board he has compiled a feasibility report and will send it to the selectboard for review.

The board also reviewed performance of the municipal solar array. Brian Cali reported that on Aug. 26 the array reached its one-year anniversary and produced about 49,000 kilowatt-hours, roughly 10% above expected output. "The array produced 49,000 kilowatt-hours in that time which is about 10% above the expected output," Cali said. The meeting record notes the board recommended providing quarterly updates on array performance.

Board member Bill Neukomm added that any future garage design should be oriented and roofed to support a solar array and stressed the importance of proper insulation to maximize the project's effectiveness. Lisa Silvester said grant funding remains important even if it would only cover a portion of project costs.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: Brian Cali will send his feasibility report to the selectboard; no formal vote on a garage project or funding commitment was taken at the Sept. 18 meeting. The board set its next meeting for Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.