By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer
April 15, 2008

Old Tappan officials want to ensure that they will receive a grant from the state, should they decide to implement solar panels on borough buildings.

"In order to apply for the grant we have to … show commitment on [our] end. To show commitment on our end we enabled ourselves to go out to bid," Councilman Ronald Binaghi said.

The resolution passed April 7 does not commit the borough to going out to bid for the project, explained Binaghi. Rather it is a formality the borough needs to have in place so, if they do decide to go out to bid, they will qualify for the grant.

"We passed [the resolution]… so we could file for a potential rebate currently offered by the state," said Borough Administrator Patrick O’Brien.

The state offers this rebate to municipalities involved in renewable resources, explained O’Brien, and it would offset the project’s cost by approximately 35 percent.

"Depending on how much it goes for it could be approximately $0.35 on the dollar," he said.

Previously the council had heard a presentation by Vanguard Energy Partners, formerly New Jersey Solar Solutions. However, the council is waiting for another presentation by that company as well as one by another company before deciding whether or not they will go out to bid for the project. The project could possibly install solar panels on such buildings as the firehouse, Department of Public Works and borough hall.

However, officials want to make sure it would be a worthwhile investment.

"[We are looking for] efficiency and return on our investment. How much money does the borough have to invest before we start seeing a significant reduction of electric bills or possibly a zeroing out of electric bills?" said Binaghi.

He added the borough would also have to consult with experts who would explore the company and the technology that would be used.

"I am not committing the borough on anything until we do all our homework," said Binaghi.