Monday night’s pre-submission conference with Distributed Solar Development only yielded a formal meeting scheduled with the Marion Planning Board for November 16, but a lengthy discussion during the board’s November 2 Zoom meeting indicates that the potential for a solar array atop the Benson Brook landfill is stronger than it was five years ago when the Energy Management Committee looked into the possibility.
In setting a context for Monday night’s discussion, Town Planner Gil Hilario told the board that Town Administrator Jay McGrail had received three bids and selected DSD with which to move forward. Since then, DSD has applied with Eversource for interconnection. “It may not be viable, but we’re here to get an update this year as opposed to five or six years ago,” said Hilario.
Represented by Development Project Manager Jenny Nicolas and Tetra Tech Project Manager Josh Burdett, DSD boasted in its slide presentation over 130,000 projects nationally, over 80 experts on staff, and, in Massachusetts, the deployment of over 12,000,000 watts of power via rooftop, canopy, and ground-mounted installations and projects involving energy storage.
More relevant to Marion, DSD operates regionally in partnership with Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative, whose executive director, Liz Argo, attended the meeting. CVEC has awarded DSD 23 megawatts of solar and storage projects across five Cape Cod communities: Brewster, Sandwich, Harwich, Orleans, and Mashpee.
The project, a 1,700-kW system covering 71.650 square feet, would generate 1.578 megawatts per hour per year in the first year. DSD would sell the power back to Eversource to go back into the grid.
The solar array would have a 20-year lifespan, and Planning Board member Joe Rocha asked what happens after 20 years. Nicolas said Marion would have an option to purchase the system outright, along with a chance to increase the lifespan of the deal. If the town chose to go in a different direction, a bond needs to be in place to cover the cost of decommissioning.
Argo added that they have to restore the site to its original condition.
Marion is guaranteed the lease payment for the life of the contract. If there is a power failure, Marion gets paid as host either way, regardless of the system’s performance.
Nicolas said that DSD will own the system and that the contract will ensure that the site is not underperforming. “We’re not just putting in the system and walking away; we’re monitoring it,” she said.
Because Marion participates in a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Future Generation Wind, thereby maximizing its energy-earning potential, the town cannot pursue another PPA. Thus, any likely arrangement with DSD will consist of a less-profitable land lease.
“We prefer to do PPAs,” said Argo. He referenced prior correspondence with Energy Management Committee member Bill Saltonstall, who also attended the meeting. Argo said Marion’s PPA with Future Generation Wind is a good plan for the town, but because usage is maxed, the town cannot take any more net-metering credits. “The battery will provide some revenue as well.”
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) incentive program requires a battery for any project above 500 kW. The battery, explained Argo, levels the intermittency of voltaic systems.
“I think this is a great location for solar,” said Planning Board Chairperson Will Saltonstall. “We’ve obviously got to get around the environmental challenges for solar…. I think this is a really good project for the town.”
Although Burdett indicated he could further research the matter, the presentation was based on limiting panels to the plateau with none planted on the side slopes. Burdett said panels on the slopes would require more digging but can be done.
Argo called Eversource “the gorilla in the room.” Eversource has yet to declare an operating cost and may not until the end of the first quarter of 2021. A higher number would cut into what is presently estimated to be a $136,000 lease agreement.
Planning Board member Chris Collings was not impressed with the potentially low ceiling on profits. “The dump is a wonderful site for solar, a great location,” he said. “I worry about rushing to close a loop when all we’re doing is renting space. I’m intrigued, but I don’t think we have enough information yet.”
Nicolas based her optimism on Eversource’s group studies suggesting that this project won’t just die because of the interconnection costs. She said she is confident that “we’ll be able to make it work out once we find out pricing from Eversource.” Nicolas said the risk is on the developer, while the town can decide whether or not the project is worthwhile and back out of the deal.
“I personally don’t have a problem with the developer taking that risk and getting involved in the site plan review. It’s on their nickel and (at) their risk,” said Will Saltonstall. “We need money and revenue in the town. What’s the downside of not considering it sooner rather than later?”
Energy Management Committee member Jennifer Francis attended the meeting and asked why a community solar garden concept is not being considered. She said Marion already has one that was very successful as an opportunity for people to buy a share who would otherwise not be able to.
Argo explained that the blocks have been filled and that regular community solar is no longer available. Low-income community solar is available, but is, according to Argo, “a very big challenge to manage.” Marion, she said, chose the better return on its investment.
It was determined that Hilario would research the cost of a consultant to conduct a minor site review, with the expense to be billed to DSD.
When the board reconvenes on November 16, a formal application will be reviewed.
In other business, the Planning Board received a letter from Town Administrator Jay McGrail outlining objectives for the FY22 budget and asking the board to submit a level-service budget by December 14. Administrative Assistant Terri Santos noted that board member Norm Hills, who was not in attendance, puts the budget together, so the matter was tabled until the Planning Board’s November 16 meeting.
Board member Eileen Marum reported on a Citizen Planner Training Collaborative Workshop that she recently attended. The subject was maximizing local control over wireless facilities, including small-cell technology benefits like enhanced voice and data and 5G broadband that Marion does not yet have. Small-cell technology, said Marum, closes the divide for the elderly and the disabled.
In addition to approving the payment of three invoices for services provided by the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD), the board discussed its meeting time for next year without resolution.
Marion Planning Board
By Mick Colageo