Shrewsbury, MA – Construction is now underway for the installation of solar panels on the carport and roof of the new Shrewsbury Police Station. This solar project marks the first of several planned, cost-saving initiatives to add renewable energy generation to public buildings throughout the town.
In alignment with the Town of Shrewsbury’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and SELCO’s Power Supply Policy, the solar array will provide the community with clean, renewable energy while reducing dependence on volatile energy markets. The 274 kW system will produce approximately 305,800 kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power about 34 Shrewsbury homes per year.
“The completion of this solar project will mark the final step in delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable police station for our community. It also highlights the tremendous value of having a municipal electric utility like SELCO as a partner, one that shares our commitment to clean energy, innovation, and improving the quality of life for Shrewsbury residents. This is a true example of what local collaboration can achieve,” stated Keith Baldinger, Assistant Town Manager of Operations for the Town of Shrewsbury.
The electricity generated will go directly to SELCO’s power supply, contributing to the goal of achieving a net-zero energy portfolio for the community and resulting in direct cost savings to all of Shrewsbury’s ratepayers. Generating more power locally helps stabilize electric rates by allowing SELCO to further reduce its reliance on wholesale energy markets, which are subject to price volatility due to economic pressures, and to avoid costly regional transmission fees.
Project construction began in June and is set for completion by the end of summer. Once the solar panels are fully operational, residents will have the opportunity to monitor the system’s energy production through an online portal. This feature will allow the public to track the performance of the solar arrays and gain insight into the benefits of renewable energy in real-time.
This initiative is the first step in a broader strategy to scale solar installations across multiple public buildings. SELCO and Town officials remain committed to ongoing collaboration to bring innovative and cost-effective energy solutions to Shrewsbury, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.