By Bob Fagan
As a mechanical engineer and economic analyst working intensively on renewable energy and related electric utility issues for over 25 years, I cannot fathom the Selectmen’s decision to appeal the court ruling concerning the solar PV on the UU church.
The Town of Bedford should be rapidly moving to support placement of solar PV panels on technically-appropriate ~south-facing roofs of ALL municipal buildings and schools; Selectmen and other town officials should not only be driving such efforts but should also be enthusiastically supportive of all private sector efforts to install PV on buildings such as the UU church. Instead, residents see this mind-boggling decision.
The Town Green around the UU church is encircled with asphalt and wires. It is ludicrous for the HDC to think that rooftop solar PV doesn’t fit; this more direct use of the sun has a greater tie to Bedford’s past agricultural practice relying on solar, than importing gas-fired energy into town.
The cost of solar PV panel installations has plummeted over the past few years due to technical innovations and economy of scale synergies. Solar is cheaper than fossil generation, even without valuing the climate change reduction benefits. Please, Selectmen, reverse your decision now and save the Town and the church unnecessary cost. The panels will ultimately be installed.
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