WEST WINDSOR: Township up for PSE&G solar program

[CentralJersey.com]

WEST WINDSOR: Township up for PSE&G solar program
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:24 PM EST
By John Saccenti, Staff Writer

WEST WINDSOR — The township could receive between $15,000 and $22,500 a year if it is selected to take part in PSE&G’s Solar 4 All Program.

Under the program, PSE&G would install 40-megawatt solar panels on a township-owned field next to the municipal building. The panels would collect enough energy to power 40 to 50 homes and provide backup energy to the township’s municipal complex in the event of a power outage.

Princeton Power Systems suggested the site to the council Monday. Under the program, third parties propose sites for solar “gardens,” which then are chosen through a competitive process.

The council approved the plan and gave Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and the administration the OK to move ahead with its application.

If the site is selected by PSE&G, Princeton Power Systems hopes to install the panels. PSE&G would pay for the installation of the panels as well as own them.
”PSE&G would own the panels and rent from the township. Princeton Power would do the installation,” said Marshall Cohen, CEO of Princeton Power System.

In exchange, PSE&G would lease the property from the township.

”It would provide not only energy storage as well as generation,” said Mr. Cohen.

Some council members said they were excited about the prospect of a move toward sustainable energy in the township and hoped similar installations could eventually be brought to other areas.

”I’m really excited about the program. I hope we will consider using solar as a primary source for the complex,” said Councilwoman Diane Ciccone.

Councilman Charlie Morgan expressed concern that the land was being farmed, saying it might be more feasible to go with an alternative plan, which includes PSE&G installing solar panels attached to poles or placing the units on the roofs of municipal buildings.

He also said the property has been eyed for possible expansion of the municipal complex, and the township should negotiate ownership of the panels.

”We should consider our own project with our own financing and our own ownership,” Mr. Morgan said.

Mr. Cohen said solar panels on elevated poles would not be able to generate the amount of power needed.

http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/11/12/the_princeton_packet/news/doc4afc9858af439183606407.txt