By Veronica Burns

Most Norfolk residents feel that their town is special, but how many actually know that Norfolk is a leader in the state? The town’s successful signup campaign for renewable energy options now stands at more than 90 residents, which makes Norfolk a state leader, because of its size. More than one out of every 10 households in Norfolk has signed up for the Connecticut Clean Energy Options program. The town has earned a 5 kilowatt solar array as a result, and two representatives from the industry recently held a workshop on solar power, to give town officials some idea of the procedure from here. The reps also visited those sites being considered as possible locations for the panels to be installed.

The power point presentation, nicknamed “Solar PV 101” was given by Robert Wall, Director for Energy Market Initiatives with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), and Robert Wassung, a Project Manager with Aztech Engineers, Inc. The workshop was open to the public but mainly aimed at town officials and members of the Energy Task Force (ETF). The group, which included Sue Dyer, Norfolk’s first selectman, was taken through a series of solar energy statistics, how solar photovoltaic systems work, information on the technology, different solar systems, and finally, discussion on the procedures of installation.

“Despite the fact that it is cold, Connecticut has great resources for solar power,” said Wassung. “Solar energy doesn’t pollute. The panels just sit there and create energy. We should be taking advantage of that.”

Wassung suggested that in this age of terrorism, having solar energy could provide security. “A power plant can go out,” he said, “but if you have solar, that’s not going to go out.” A simple version of how it works is that the panel cells take heat from the sun, then go through an inverter which changes the direct-current power to alternating-current power, and then into the source for your building, whether it is residential, municipal or commercial. The panels come big: those that make up five kilowatts of power are an estimated 500 square feet in size. Their lifespan is 30 years, and they are low maintenance. If a battery installation is added (at the town’s expense), the extra power generated during the sunlight part of the day can be stored. Battery life is, however, less than that of the panels, 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately battery technology has not moved with the times. They remain large and clunky. Most towns, however, are opting for solar panels that are grid-connected, with any unused power going back into the grid for a minimal reimbursement from the utility company.

The presentation also touched on the issue of criticism of solar panels. For example, are they powerful enough? “People tend to think of solar panels as the battery in a car, you can only go so far before it needs to be recharged. But solar energy is different. It is renewing itself all the time. Think of the cells as little power plants in and of themselves.” Aesthetics are another concern, and in this regard Wassung referred to the Town Hall building. “The roofs are gorgeous,” he said, “I have to look at what is best for solar, but I do not disregard the aesthetic. I’ve seen some really ugly PV installations.” But, he added, “ I won’t let that happen here.” It is actually not essential that the panels be placed on a building, they can also stand alone. Some people have located them in gardens or in fields.

Following the workshop, ETF’s chairman, Mary Fanette, accompanied Wassung as he made the rounds of the proposed Norfolk sites for the panels, among them the Town Garage and Botelle School. Facing south, Wassung uses a Solar Pathfinder, a domed instrument that creates a reflection of the entire site, including obstacles to the sun such as buildings or trees. This view is then traced onto a diagram. Pathfinder can also assess the sun power for different months and times of the year.

Based on such a site assessment, the town will decide on a preferred location. The CCEF will then request bids from solar contractors and award a contract. Once the solar installation is complete, all rights are handed over to the town. Then, residents will be able to visit www.cleanenergytrail.com and monitor the system’s performance in Norfolk. They will be able to see how much energy the town is using, how much it is saving and how much it contributes to shrinking the carbon footprint.

Photo by Mary Fanette: Up on the roof of the Town Garage, Robert Wassung carries out a solar site assessment.