Solar farm unveiled in Saugus

Saugus has officially activated the new solar farm located behind the Department of Public Works Department.

A big crowd turned out for an Oct. 30 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the solar farm, which features 5,000 solar panels atop the capped Main Street landfill.

The solar farm is expected to generate two million kilowatt hours per year in net metering credits that are projected to save the town $150,000 annually in electricity costs. The partnership with Ameresco is projected to save the town more than $3 million in electricity costs over 20 years, in addition to generating $80,000 annually in additional revenue through a payment in lieu of taxes and the land lease payment.

“These things are important for the environment and there’s cost savings,” Town Manager Scott Crabtree said.

Electricity provided through solar panels will not generate power but sell power back to electric companies, spinning electric meters backwards.

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