Rochester Memorial School’s solar array is nearing completion. Though it is not online yet, the tall solar canopies are erected over the north parking lot of the school. The Rochester Planning Board, in August, approved a Site Plan Review and Special Permit for construction of the array to take place during the school year.
Construction started this month, with the contractor, Solect Energy Development of Hopkinton, expecting completion of the project by the end of December, just in time for the holiday school break.
Teachers at RMS have been told they will get their parking spaces back soon-ish. One hundred percent of the panels are mounted into the ground, with concrete poured around their bases. Last week, there was a site cleanup, and touchup painting was done. This week, trenching began for electrical conduits needed between each solar column. This is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Following the completion of the site trenching, heavy equipment won’t be necessary on site, per Solect Energy Development. In October, electrical work, mainly wiring, will commence. Panels need to be wired together and to the conduits. Lighting must be installed and wired underneath each canopy as well. Finally, electricity must flow to the school with wiring to the school’s electrical room.
The big part is done, and in a few months, should everything go according to schedule, RMS will harness the power of the sun, the teachers will get their spots back, and student drop-off will go back to normal.
Rochester Memorial School Solar Array Update
By Sam Bishop