Celebration of landfill solar farm may be premature
By Canton CitizenDear Editor:
I hope that our selectmen have done their homework regarding the solar farm. Being in the green energy field for 20 years, I have some concerns.
First, it looks like this is a non-bid contract. As a town, we just do not know if this is the best deal for this project. It seems to have been pretty simple to put out an RFP to various solar companies on a project of this size. The town of Harwich took another route, and it will be interesting to see which method works best for the taxpayers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some company raise an objection that bid laws were circumvented.
Second, we are entering into a multi-year deal with a company that has been in business for about a year. I do not know if this company has even had another project. (Note: The Canton landfill project is the first for Southern Sky Renewable Energies, according to principal owner Frank McMahon.)
Third, the solar company needs the town’s total electric usage to make this project even remotely viable. Does this multi-year deal preclude us from entering into better deals, or are we locked into this solar project, which may be obsolete five to ten years down the line? The current R&D emphasis in New England is on small hydro/tidal power rather than solar. Hydro is more reliable and is available even when the sun is not shinning. I would hate to have the town obtain water rights by default from Plymouth Rubber and not be able to use them because of this deal.
Fourth, it seems that this project is largely dependent on tax credits and other government incentives rather than on good economics. If there is a change in the political winds, will the project still be viable?
Finally, I hope the town gets its lease payment as soon as this company steps foot on our land. We are a partner with this company if we have to wait for our first rental payment when and if the first kilowatt of electricity is produced.
I just hope the euphoria of this green solar project doesn’t leave us with an economic headache down the line.
Sincerely,
Ed Kodzis
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=2778
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Feb 24 2011. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
