Taunton solar panel project expands to water filter plant

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Officials have flipped the switch and the Charles J. Rocheleau Water Filtration Plant will now run on solar power.

The plant was the second of four projects in the city to have solar panels installed, the first being the Chamberlin Elementary School which went solar in March.

The city also plans on adding solar power to a landfill and library.

Mayor Shaunna O’Connell touted her solar initiative, which she said will help save the environment while also helping save taxpayers and the city money.

“At a time when communities are struggling, they have financial challenges, they’re doing prop two and a half overrides, we are saving our taxpayers and our ratepayers money,” she said.

O’Connell said the city first identified “around ten” locations to potentially move to solar energy.

“There are so many benefits,” she said. “And in addition to that, we get new roofs put on the buildings on which we put the panels on. So it’s all around a win for everyone.”

Arch Energy led the project, putting the panels on the building’s brand new roof for both projects completed so far.

Arch Energy Director Kailash Viswanathan said it was a “testament to great cooperation between his company and the city.”

“These projects, as small as they may seem, they’re tough, and they need coordination, support from stakeholders, so we really really appreciate it,” he said.