The Edgecomb Planning Board moved closer to tying up a couple loose ends on a new solar power project. In March, the board conditionally approved a New York City-based power company’s application to build a solar array on U.S. Route 1.
One condition is Syncarpha Capital, LLC providing a decommissioning plan. Board Chairman Barry Hathorne said the solar panels typically have a 20- to 30-year life span. Syncarpha submitted an engineer’s report for decommissioning costs earlier this year, but the board wants an independent survey. During the Aug. 5 planning board meeting, Hathorne said he believes a third-party survey will be available by the next board meeting in two weeks.
Another unresolved issue is how the decommissioning will be paid. The town also wants Syncarpha to place decommissioning costs into an escrow account, but the company prefers using a performance bond. Hathorne said the disagreement would also likely be settled at the next meeting.
There are no solar power municipal ordinances in Edgecomb. The board has worked on one for several months and will have a draft ready for ordinance review committee feedback. But the ORC didn’t meet prior to the planning board meeting, so Hathorne approved a suggestion to email ORC members the proposed draft and seek their input through email responses.
“I think that will be OK and give them enough time to respond before we vote,” Hathorne said.
If the planning board approves a solar ordinance, it would be forwarded to the selectmen for review. The select board could either reject it or place it on the warrant for a town vote. Hathorne hopes the proposed ordinance would be voted on at a special town meeting.
On Feb. 18, the planning board tabled Syncarpha’s application because it lacked a specific plan for decommissioning the solar panels and establishing a performance bond to cover removal costs. On March 4, Syncarpha still lacked specific details, but reached an understanding to provide them prior to receiving full approval.
Syncarpha has dozens of community solar projects nationwide and the Edgecomb project would be one of three planned for Maine in 2021. Syncarpha has named its local proposal the Edgecomb Solar Project LLC. The solar array would produce just under five megawatts of electricity on a parcel less than 20 acres near the Newcastle line. Syncarpha’s proposal allows for people who want green electricity, but don’t want to attach solar panels to their homes. Edgecomb Solar’s electricity would be sold to a limited number of customers at a discount.
In other action, the planning board voted 5-0 to approve Carole Floorman’s application to install a seasonal ramp and float at her 47 Shore Road residence. The board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 in the town hall’s upstairs.
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