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Solar panel discussion postponed
(by Kathryn A. Burger - September 23, 2008)
The Park Ridge Board of Education expected to consider a proposal for its “Going Solar” initiative at its Sept. 15 meeting. Architect Joseph Di Cara was to present the proposal for the board’s review based on his presentation at the Aug. 25 meeting, that was reported in the Sept. 2 edition of Community Life.
What board members and the public learned at the Sept. 15 meeting was that Di Cara had advised Business Administrator Robert Wright that since the district on which he based his Aug. 25 presentation was similar to the size and needs of the Park Ridge School District, the data that he had already provided was sufficient for the board’s purposes. Di Cara’s Aug. 25 proposal estimated the cost of outfitting the district’s schools with solar panels at $1.7 million.
Wright said that before the board could act, it had to be determined how the district generating some of its own power might impact the borough. “I don’t know if they [the borough] buy electricity in bulk, or buy as they use it.” He indicated that if the borough buys in bulk, then the solar panel model presented wouldn’t work since the rate paid for electricity is based on projected use.
Board members balked at accepting the estimate presented on Aug. 25. They had expected that a proposal based specifically on the district would be created. As reported, there are many factors that determine the cost of such a project, not the least of which is the current condition of the roofs. Replacing and/or repairing them can add significantly to the cost.
Board member Catherine Tendler said, “We want an exact amount, not a ballpark number.” Board member Frank Church echoed her comments. Joseph Bruno, board president, said he wants “specifics” and that Di Cara needs to contact the borough and find out how the electricity is purchased.
Wright was to contact Di Cara and relay the board’s request.
A proposal that reflects the district’s actual infrastructure may be presented at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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