Solar Panels Proposed for Mitchell Park in Greenport

Solar power could be coming to Mitchell Park.

At Monday's board of trustees work session, Greenport Mayor David Nyce introduced a guest, John Severini, who has lived in the village full-time for four years.

The two met when Nyce was discussing his idea for a green energy park at Clark's Beach, and Severini volunteered to help with consolidation and coordination of information.

A month ago, Nyce said Severini called him with an idea — to install solar panels in the park.

Severini said he has solar panels on his own home and does not pay an electric bill.

To that end, Severini said one morning while walking through Mitchell Park, he noticed the section near the carousel and the waterfront where a platform is covered by shade awnings.

The spot, Severini said, would be perfect for the installation of solar panels, to replace the canvas — and generate power or supplement electricity.

Nyce said the idea was floated a few year ago, but at that time, the board had no "appetite" or interest in moving forward. 

Solar technology, Severini said, has come a long way.

He then gave a presentation on three possible contractors and proposals for the project.

Nyce said there could be an educational component to the project, with a place where the public could read about cost savings, and possibly, high school students involved.

Solar panels, Severini said, would also erase the cost of replacing the canvas panels every few years.

In order to proceed, Nyce said the roof section of that area would need to be reconfigured; he said he'd like an estimate of costs from an engineer.

Solar panels, Severini said, have up to a 30-year life expectancy.

Nyce said the idea was "new," and that he'd like the board to think about it, with the goal of perhaps discussing the matter again in a few months. Severini offered to return for a second discussion.