Foxborough Goes Solar

The town of Foxborough will install solar panels on the roofs of the public safety building and the senior center to save on energy costs.

The town recently signed up, with Town Manager Kevin Paicos and Building Commissioner William Casbarra at the helm of the energy grant, with vendor, DCS Energy, of South Glastonbury, Conn. DCS Energy which will provide the solar panels and install them at no cost to the town.

Approximately 18 kilowatts per month are estimated to be produced from the panels for the public safety building and 9 kilowatts per month at the senior center.

Paul Jackson, School Business Administrator, informed the school committee Monday night about the energy grant, which four Foxborough schools qualify for. 

Jackson, however, said that after examining the plan with Casbarra, that because of the flat roof structure of the school buildings, the solar panels may cause more harm than good.

Concern from town officials include how roofing warranties, insurance and roof maintenance would be affected.

"Flat roofs in New England, you will have leaks and you are going to have to move the panels, [the question is] what is it going to cost to remove them," Jackson said.

The energy saving for the schools, estimated at a little less than $12,000, is minimal compared to the numerous liabilities that the panels would bring.

"This is a Trojan horse," said School Committee member Kate Kominsky after hearing about the plan.

No final decision was determined and the school committee requested more information on the program.