Foran may go green with addition of solar panels

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Board of Education is exploring the feasibility of having Joseph A. Foran High School go green to help save the taxpayers electricity costs.
The school board is applying for a grant with the state that would pay half the costs associated with installing solar panels on the roof of the school along with wind turbines.
Officials said there would be no costs to the school board, and a company would install the solar panels.
School administrators will complete an energy audit of the school to determine if the energy costs would be lowered by using renewable energy sources.
A 20-year commitment is required if the city receives the state grant.
Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky cautioned the board that despite installing the solar panels and wind turbines, it’s still likely that some electricity will have to be purchased to “bridge the gaps.”
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Philip G. Russell said he’s projecting a 15 percent energy reduction cost savings at Foran, though it’s too early to define an actual dollar amount.
Russell said besides the financial implications, having a green building will provide “significant environmental upgrades” and will result in a major “reduction of pollutants.”
He added that school officials want to take renewable energy and use it as a teaching tool.
Russell said Foran High was chosen as the site because it’s the largest school, and the “worst energy hog.” Foran has a swimming pool and air conditioning.
Russell told board members that other school systems are looking at a similar program, and the grant will be awarded by the state on a competitive basis.
Milford needs to be one of the first 10 schools statewide to apply to have the best shot at receiving the grant, Russell added.
“I applaud your efforts on staying up late at night and trying to save the taxpayers money,” said school board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4.
Russell said the schools receive their electricity from TransCanada, and the utility supports such a program because it is required to meet a federal mandate that 10 percent of its energy come from renewable sources by 2015.
Russell added that if the equipment breaks down, the company will maintain it at no cost to the taxpayers.
Hourigan suggested if this experiment works at Foran, the board may want to consider renewable energy sources for all of its schools.
“We’re seeing more of this because we’re at $4 a gallon,” Polansky added.