Board approves solar panel array for town hall

At a special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, the Verona Town Board voted 3-2 to approve installing a solar array on the town hall roof. The meeting was attended by a group from Sustain Verona, a local environmental group, whose members spoke about the benefits of solar power to the town and the environment. 

Lifelong town resident Bill Keen spoke about the financial savings to the town of “possibly $200,000 to $300,000 over the 30-year life of the panels” and urged the board to approve them. 

Amy Armstrong, a founder of The Sow’s Ear, spoke of environmental benefits to be gained by using clean energy from the sun to power most of the town’s electrical needs. 

Town resident Jim Wiederhoeft spoke about the educational role the town could play by setting an example in encouraging residents to consider adding solar panels to their own homes. 

After hearing from the public attendees, the board took up a debate on the issues. Supervisor Mike Duerst reported on the Public Works committee’s review of the project. They cited some benefits from the project but encouraged the board to defer approval until “sometime later” when panel prices may be less expensive. 

Supervisor David Lonsdorf urged approval now, when there is still a 30% federal rebate available, and in order to start realizing the economic savings and environmental benefits as soon as possible. 

Supervisor Tom Mathies spoke about the possible hidden costs of the panels, such as the need for maintenance and cleaning, and the priority of using the town’s money to keep the roads in good repair. 

Following a lively exchange of ideas and concerns, supervisor Lonsdorf moved to approve the town signs a contract bid with All Energy Solar, from St. Paul, Minnesota, for a 72-panel system. The vote was taken as a roll call with supervisors Duerst and Mathies voting “no” and supervisors Lonsdorf and Deborah Paul voting “yes.” 

After a brief pause, Town Chair Mark Geller cast the deciding vote of “yes” and the project was approved. An enthusiastic round of applause erupted from the attending audience. 

The approved contract calls for All Energy Solar to install the panels in May 2026, with the system to be activated soon afterwards. The cost is estimated to be $89,800, with an expected 30% federal credit of $26,670 and a State Focus on Energy “incentive” of $3,700. 

The final bill to the town will be $58,530.

The system is projected by the installer to cut the town’s annual electric bill by 81%, or by $5,618 annually, and recognize a savings of about $150,000 over 30 years. In addition, the town will avoid producing 573 metric tons of carbon dioxide over 25 years. This is the equivalent of planting about 15,000 trees or removing 121 passenger cars from the road for a year. 

Town resident and Sustain Verona leader Bob Cape called the decision a “big win” for the town and the community.