Residents can now track six solar panels on the roof of the Southbury Public Library in real time by visiting the town's web site and signing up.
The panels, funded by a combination of LOCIP (Local Capital Improvement Program) funds and energy credits earned through the CEFIA (Clean Energy Financing and Investment Authority) program, were installed by Renewable Resources in October and activated in early January
According to the Southbury First Selectman's Office, "the Library was chosen as the ideal Town-owned building to host these panels as it is centrally located, its roof orientation was conducive for capturing the sun’s rays, and the library can easily incorporate educational programs on the advantages of solar energy."
Real-time stats include Total Energy, Latest Power, and Peak Power.
Led by the town's Energy Task Force, Southbury has made an ongoing effort to increase the town's energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, and received a Bright Ideas Grant for its efforts in 2013.
"Enabling the public to view the energy production of these panels from any computer with a web browser is an important part of this educational initiative," the statement said, adding that "The Town of Southbury continues to look for creative ways to save on energy costs and solar power is just one of the options being pursued."
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