Wayland panel backs solar-plus-battery project at Loker Elementary School

WAYLAND — July 11, 2023 — Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee unanimously endorsed a solar-plus-battery project at Loker Elementary School. The 5-0 vote backs a 25-year power purchase agreement with Solect Energy for a 305-kilowatt rooftop array and 100-kilowatt battery, projected to generate 354,000 kilowatt-hours annually and cover 94 percent of the school's electricity use. Solect's Byron Woodman said term savings total about $1.27 million, split between roughly $700,000 in solar savings and $600,000 in battery incentive revenue. Sustainability Manager Abigail Schutt and non-voting member John Harper recommended the storage option, citing alignment with the town's climate action plan and eight to 10 hours of backup power for the cafeteria as an emergency shelter. "There is substantial financial risk, but I want the battery," committee member Harvey said. The committee also voted to draft a Select Board resolution opposing private jet expansion at Hanscom Field.