This parcel of land located on the northside of North Road in Westfield could soon be home to one of the largest solar array farms in the state. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Westfield, already on the forefront of developing alternative “green power” generation capacity, published a request for proposals last week to construct a second solar energy farm on city-owned property.
The city is seeking a vendor to construct a four to six megawatt solar array on Barnes Regional Airport property located on the north side of North Road across from the airport proper.
Director of Purchasing Tammy Tefft published the legal notice seek proposals from vendors with experience in planning, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining a solar energy collection and electricity generating systems.
The selected vendor also will be required to design the solar energy project and obtain all required permits.
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said the proposed solar project is similar to the one being constructed at the Twiss Street landfill.
“We’re working to see if a vendor is interested in this solar farm, which would be located on 30 acres of land and which would generate between four and six megawatts of power,” Knapik said.
Knapik said the city has already approached the Federal Aviation Authority, which funded the purchase of the property under the glide path to the airport’s primary runway to prevent residential or commercial encroachment.
“The FAA said a solar farm would be an acceptable use of the property and that it is not detrimental to aviation,” he said. “This is a good use from the city’s position because otherwise that land just sits out there. Nothing will ever be built out there.”
The City Council approved a lease for the city’s first solar project being constructed on top of the former Twiss Street landfill. More than 20 vendors expressed interest in the two-megawatt project, requiring a second pre-bid conference to be held on Jan. 4, 2011.
The contract was eventually awarded last June to Axio Power Inc.
Proposals are due no later than Dec. 9, 2011 by 2 p.m.
The selected vendor will own the power produced, as well as any financial and environmental credits.
Mayor Knapik said the city is preparing to seek another request for proposals to establish a solar farm on city property, off Turnpike Industrial Road.
“Those three solar projects, together, will have a generation capacity of between five to seven megawatts,” he said. “One megawatt of generation provides electricity for 1,200 houses.”
“It’s starting to come together for Westfield, after a cold start just two years ago,” Knapik said.
