
The 288-panel solar array on the [Bar Harbor] Public Works Building will soon have a battery to go with it, as approved by Town Council in a unanimous vote last month.
The battery will store energy produced by the solar panels, and this energy will be used during periods of high energy demand. For the first five years, savings in the town’s utility costs will go to pay off the battery. Once paid off, the battery is projected to save the town over $7,500 per year in utility costs.
The battery installation was proposed by ReVision Energy, who installed the town’s solar array in 2015. Hans Albee, Professional Engineer for ReVision, told councilors at the June 18 meeting that having a battery to store energy would “continue to reduce cost at the facility.”