How Taunton’s new solar project is cutting energy costs

The City of Taunton has completed its second solar energy project, according to a community announcement.

The project, located at the Charles J. Rocheleau Water Treatment Plant, is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

“We are incredibly proud to bring another clean energy project online in the City of Taunton,” Mayor Shaunna O’Connell said in the announcement. “This project reflects our commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking infrastructure.”

The new solar installation builds upon the success of the city’s first solar project, located on the roof of Chamberlain Elementary School. The project is expected to offset energy costs at the water treatment plant while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

“The City of Taunton continues to take meaningful steps toward a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future, and we at Consigli, and our energy division, Arch Energy, are proud to be a trusted partner in that journey,” said Kailash Viswanathan, director of energy. “With Arch Energy’s in-house expertise and integrated design-build capabilities, this solar project—alongside the array at Chamberlain Elementary School — will provide the Taunton community and its residents with a long-term, sustainable energy solution.”

The project was a collaborative effort involving the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, energy consultant Matt Parent and Consigli Construction’s Arch Energy.

Kimberly Holmes, TMLP general manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the project.

“We are thrilled at the completion of the city’s second array,” she said in the announcement. “Supporting our community with environmental and energy initiatives is what public power is all about and we are proud to be in Taunton.”

Upcoming solar projects in development include installations at the former landfill and on the roof of the Taunton Public Library.

The completion of the second solar project marks another major milestone in the city’s journey toward a more sustainable future. The city is taking meaningful steps toward a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future, according to the announcement.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.