Caldwell explores solar panels at sewer plant

CALDWELL Installing solar panels at the Caldwell Wastewater Treatment Plant is becoming a likely option after the governing body received a proposal from PSE&G to complete the project.

Presidentof the Caldwell Environmental Commission Ann Marchioni, presented the idea of installing solar panels at the plant to the council in 2013 and the governing body has been working to make the idea a reality since, according to Marchioni.

The proposal from PSE&G, which was discussed during the Tuesday, Jan. 20 council meeting, outlines the borough would receive four and one-half cents per kilowatt, which is the equivalent of $9,470 per year, according to Borough Administrator Paul Carelli.

Councilman Kris Brown, who formerly served on the Environmental Commission and now serves as the liaison, noted that the payment to Caldwell from PSE&G would increase 2.5 percent annually.

The proposal is for the period of 20 years, according to Marchioni.

PSE&G would install, run and maintain to the solar panels, as well as reach out to West Caldwell for its approval before moving forward.

Although Caldwell owns the Wastewater Treatment Plant, it is located on Pine Tree Place in West Caldwell and would need that towns approval.

Councilman John Cascarano said the situation seems like a win-win, but questioned if there were any comparable situations.

Borough Attorney Greg Mascera said this was the only proposal that they received and he was not familiar with similar situations.

Marchioni stated that Caldwell was getting a really good deal through this proposal.

Excerpt from:
Caldwell explores solar panels at sewer plant