STURBRIDGE– In order to let the sun in at Tantasqua Junior High, first the rain must be kept out.
That was the lesson taken from a thermal imaging test done on the roof in preparation for installing solar panels.
”As part of the project, we had engineering studies done on both roofs. (The Junior High) roof can certainly handle any kind of weight, because it used to be a sand and gravel roof. They removed 60 tons of sand and gravel from the roof back in (1995) and replaced it with a rubber membrane and some insulation,” Superintendent Daniel Durgin said.
He added, “we had a thermal image test done on the roof. Unfortunately it found that the roof is leaking along the seams and the four inch insulation has been getting saturated.”
Durgin explained toSchool Committee members last week the roof problem needs to be solved before a rooftop installation can take place. “Prior to doing any kind of installation of solar, the roof would need to be replaced. Water damage over time will cause deterioration of cement and the metal bedding that the cement sits on,” he said.
Four companies have provided estimates that, Durgin said, all are in the $500,000 vicinity.
Addressing the cost
Durgin said he would not ask the five district towns to consider borrowing to fund the project. But he did present a alternative options.
The first, he said, would be to tie the funding into the solar project. “The solar company would be willing to put up a sum of money to replace the roof,” he said. “And in turn have our rates go up a little bit. There would still be a savings from what we’re paying now.”
He explained that the solar company, which will be Broadway Electric out of Boston, would be paying for the solar equipment and installation. In exchange, the company offers a 15 percent savings on electric rates to the school. The agreement lasts for 20 years.
With the $500,000 roof worked into the deal savings would be less, but there would be no upfront cost to the district.
The best option, Durgin said, would be a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Administration (MSBA). “MSBA has a program going on right now,” said Durgin. The program would help finance windows, boilers and roof work. It opened Aug. 11 and closes Sept. 22, he said, adding that boiler help would not be needed for the junior high building, because it is heated with an electric system.
School Committee member Michael Valanzola asked about potential matching funds. “If they determine we owe, X number of dollars, can the difference be tied into solar,” he asked.
Probably not, Durgin said. “We would come back with a recommendation on how to pay that difference,” he said.
Durgin added that the application has been filled out and the state said the district will be first in line. At that, the board voted to allow the grant application to be submitted.
Durgin said, he does not know when the grant will be awarded, but he is hoping to get the roof done prior to winter.
“That way we can move on the solar panels as quick as possible,” he said. “I was told this would be the largest school solar project in the state.”