Westerly to consider solar energy park

WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) -- Westerly zoning officials are taking up a proposal from a company that wants to build a solar energy park as part of the town's green energy initiative.

The Westerly Sun reports a hearing on the proposal from Middletown-based rTerra has been scheduled for Aug. 1.

The company, already designated as the town's solar energy partner, wants to build a 1 megawatt solar array with 3,500 photovoltaic panels on White Rock Road, next to the town's Water Department building.

The town would lease the property to rTerra, which would sell the electricity produced to National Grid.

The company would initially pay Westerly $15,000 a year, an amount that would increase after 15 years. The town also would have the right to purchase energy produced at the plant.