Solar Panels To Be Installed at 4 Local Schools

Summer construction of solar panel roofs is progressing at four local schools – Mandracchia/Sawmill, Burr, the middle school and the high school. All solar panels will be delivered mid-August and will be installed before school starts. The roofs are currently being prepped for this project, according to district spokeswoman Brenda Lentsch. 

The four roofs are being modified as a part of the EXCEL grant program from New York state, which provides money for these types of improvements. The program was accepted by district voters in 2008 and projects began last summer. Projects include the solar panels, smartboards and electronic security at school entrances. 

Lentsch said that the buildings were selected because of their roof size – roofs need to be a large enough to accommodate the required amount of panels to provide solar energy to the schools. All of the school buildings, Lentsch said, have very high energy costs and these panels should help lessen those costs. 

Lentsch said the roofs will be completed by the first day of school, Sept. 7. Stay with Patch for continued updates – – as it becomes available.