Look up, Wayland! From school rooftops to temple parking lots, the town is shining a little brighter — thanks to solar power. In just the past few months, three new commercial-scale solar energy arrays have come online at Temple Shir Tikva, the Council on Aging/Community Center, and Loker Elementary School. These installations mark major steps forward in meeting the goals in Wayland’s Climate Action Mobilization Plan.
Temple Shir Tikva is now home to one of Wayland’s most impressive solar installations. Initiated in 2022 and slated to be completed by the summer of 2025, the new array will have of solar panels producing 262 kW covering the roof of the education building as well as solar canopies in the front and back parking lots.
The temple partnered with Solect Energy to complete the project. Through a 25-year fixed-price power purchase agreement, Shir Tikva will buy renewable electricity directly from the system. This will supply approximately 72% of its electricity needs, helping reduce both its carbon footprint and operational costs. “Our congregation is deeply committed to sustainability,” said Bob Koster, the temple’s trustee for social justice. “This project is a natural expression of our values and consistent with our mission to be shomrei adamah — stewards of our earth.”
Wayland’s newest building, the Council on Aging/Community Center, showcases a new sustainable pathway. Designed with no on-site fossil fuels, the building is heated and cooled with efficient electric air source heat pumps. A 50-kW rooftop solar system is expected to supply much of the building’s electricity needs and save the town about $60,000 over 25 years.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment we need,” said John Harper, Associate Member of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee, who worked to bring the project to online.
Loker Elementary School is now generating nearly half of its own power from the sun. Its new 109.9 kW DC rooftop solar system is expected to provide 46% of the school’s electricity needs. Over 25 years, the system will save the town an estimated $430,000.
“Seeing those panels go up felt like a huge win for the environment and our kids,” said Anne Harris, co-chair of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee. The town partnered with Solect Energy, continuing a fruitful collaboration.
These three new installations complement four existing municipal systems at the high school, middle school, Town Building and Department of Public Works facility. “These solar installations mark a milestone in our journey, bringing us closer to achieving the goals of Wayland’s Climate Action Mobilization Plan and reflecting our deep commitment to sustainability, both for our students and the broader community,” said Abigail Shute, Wayland’s assistant director of facilities and sustainability.
Together with the over 300 other residential and commercial solar arrays installed in our town, Wayland’s solar fleet is significantly reducing our town-wide carbon emissions and bringing us closer to our climate goals.
Wayland residents can also explore solar options for their own homes. Visit EnergizeWayland.org to learn more about how to make your roof part of the solution and get help from one of our volunteer local solar coaches. If you would like to learn more about EnergizeWayland, get involved or subscribe to the newsletter, email info@energizewayland.org The sun is shining in Wayland — and our future looks bright.
Ellen Tohn is co-chair of the Wayland Energy and Climate Committee and an Energize Wayland volunteer.
