Southampton - In a continued effort to be a leader in the field of reducing energy consumption, Southampton Town is soliciting proposals from consulting firms for a Solar Energy Initiative Study. The scope of work includes the evaluation of North Sea Landfill and 10 other town-owned sites to determine each location's sustainability for the installation of solar energy collectors. The main goal would be to work towards producing electrical power for the use at each particular site and/or for the "selling back" of power to the local utility.

Environmental Facilities Manager Paul DiMaria put out the request for proposals in furtherance of initiatives brought forth by Councilman Chris Nuzzi over the last year to implement strategies that focus on alternative energy sources. "The study is a good opportunity to explore the Town of Southampton's potential for non-fossil fuel based energy sources," said DiMaria.

The proposed Solar Energy Initiative Study would also complement a resolution Nuzzi sponsored last November to work with the Southampton Sustainable Committee in an effort to achieve greater energy reduction and sustainability throughout Town facilities. "It is our responsibility as a municipal government to lead by example and work to incorporate renewable energy sources into new and existing Town facilities," said Nuzzi.