Cohasset Approves Municipal Decarbonization Study as Solar Array Reaches $500,000 in Savings
Alternative Energy Committee will lead roadmap development while exploring solar panels for school roofs as town continues green energy initiatives.
COHASSET - July 1 - The Cohasset Select Board unanimously approved the creation of a municipal decarbonization roadmap at its July 1 meeting, authorizing the Alternative Energy Committee to pursue state funding for technical support to develop the plan.
The decision comes as the town's solar energy array at the old landfill has generated $500,000 in electricity savings since installation, with 13 years remaining on the contract.
"The landfill only produces 10% of the electricity that's consumed by the town. So, we have a lot of opportunity to move forward," said Tanya Bodell, Chair of the Alternative Energy Committee.
The committee presented the decarbonization study as "good governance" rather than an environmental initiative, noting that Massachusetts has a net zero goal by 2050 with a 50% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels by 2030.
"The state has a net zero goal by 2050. They currently are giving out carrots and incentives for the towns to help achieve those goals. At some point, there's a risk it'll be an unfunded mandate," Bodell explained to the board.
The committee can apply for a $25,000 grant to provide technical support for developing the municipal decarbonization plan. The roadmap would examine what the town needs to do to decarbonize and associated costs, taking into account state and federal funding opportunities.
"We want to anticipate and look at what a plan would include, especially with uncertainty around the subsidies at the federal level, how much it would cost if we were to do it ourselves," Bodell said.
The Alternative Energy Committee also announced it is working with the schools to consider installing solar panels on school roofs as part of upcoming roof replacement projects. The committee has been eyeing school roofs for 12 years as potential solar sites due to their size and optimal positioning.
The Osgood School roof replacement is scheduled to begin in summer 2026. Previously, the roof was deemed not large enough to justify solar panel investment, but improved technology and efficiency have changed that assessment.
"I think most certainly it can support probably half a megawatt, which is the size of the old landfill and the technology and the efficiency has improved since we first started," Bodell said.
The committee plans to go out to bid in the fall, coordinating with roof contractors and engineers. Any solar installation would require approval from the school district and a refreshed conversation with school leadership.
Cohasset has received more than $1 million in green community grants, with most funding going to schools for energy efficiency projects. The next grant application targets town hall for efficient heating and cooling systems.
Once the town hits the $1 million mark in green community grants, future applications drop from $200,000 to $100,000 maximum awards, though funding continues to be available.
The Alternative Energy Committee also discussed pursuing climate leader status, which would provide access to new funding pools as green community grant amounts decrease. Climate leader requirements include having a local committee for clean energy activities, municipal decarbonization commitment, zero emission vehicle first policy, and specialized stretch code adoption.
"As our potential grants from green communities ratchets down, if we're able to pursue climate leader status, we would have access to a new pool of money for investments that save the town money," Bodell explained.
The committee emphasized that most of the $1 million in grants represents ongoing savings through lower electricity and energy consumption, not just one-time funding.
Other Meeting Business:
• The board approved updated language for the Cohasset Village Historical District Study Committee, changing membership from seven to nine members to align with state requirements.
• Police officers Kevin Lynch and Brendan Skerry, along with Sergeant Harrison Schmidt, received recognition from the district attorney's office for preventing a potentially deadly domestic violence incident by seizing firearms from an unlicensed individual.
• Chief William Quigley reported that a new radar speed sign was installed on North Main Street at Rocky Lane, bringing the total number of speed signs in town to five or six, all funded through grants.
• Fireworks fundraising has reached $55,872 through community donations, sponsors and pledges, with a goal of $75,000 for the July 4 event.
• The board deferred voting on a Cohasset Maritime Institute race and regatta application for September 6, pending coordination with Sandy Beach Association and completion of insurance and permit requirements.