Solar Energy Savings Program - Twp. of Aberdeen

New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers
Project of the Year Award

Project History:

If faced with the arduous task of replacing leaking roofs on municipal buildings with no available funding sources most Engineers would just walk away. However Aberdeen Township Engineer David J. Samuel, P.E. embraced this challenge and not only developed a plan to replace the roofs at no cost to the Township but to save on electric bills as well.

Having just negotiated a successful solar power/purchase agreement for Middlesex County College, Mr. Samuel knew the benefits that could be obtained from this type of arrangement for the Township of Aberdeen. In early 2011 he met with Township Mayor Fred Tagliarini and suggested the Township consider a solar project for municipal buildings. With the Mayor's support Mr. Samuel was authorized in early 2011 to review various Township owned buildings to determine if any would be suitable for the placement of solar panels.

Client Requirements:

• REDUCE ELECTRIC COSTS FOR TOWNSHIP BUILDINGS.
• CORRECT PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING ROOFS AT MUNICIPAL COMPLEX AND PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE.
• SEEK AND OBTAIN OUTSIDE FUNDING SOURCES TO MINIMIZE FISCAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE MUNICIPALITY.
• CONSTRUCT PROJECT WITH NO DISTURBANCE TO RESIDENTS THAT VISIT THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX.
• MINIMIZE DISTURBANCE TO TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES IN MUNICIPAL COMPLEX AND PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE.
• OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED OUTSIDE AGENCY APPROVALS NEEDED TO CONSTRUCT PROJECT.

Unique or Unusual Design Features:

• PROVIDE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF LEAKING ROOFS AT THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX AND PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE AT NO COST TO THE TOWNSHIP.
• DEVELOP A PLAN TO REDUCE ELECTRIC RATES FOR THE MUNICIPALITY AT NO COST TO THE TOWNSHIP VIA A PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.
• PROVIDE ELEVATED SOLAR PANELS IN MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT TO ACT AS BAD WEATHER COVERINGS FOR VEHICLES.
• INSURE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES WERE NOT INCONVENIENCED DURING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION.
• COORDINATION OF APPROVALS WITH JCP& L AND LOCAL AGENCIES.

The Result:

In May 2013 the project was completed and became operational. Visitors to the Municipal Building no longer have to witness buckets on the floor or tarps covering valuable Police equipment. Electric bills have been significantly reduced as a result of the solar panel operation.

As a result of the efforts of Township Engineer David J. Samuel, P.E. the construction of a project that replaced leaking roofs and will reduce the Townships electric bills for the next 15 years has been completed at no cost to the municipality.