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HILLSBOROUGH: Solar, energy projects’ completion celebrated

   The entrance of the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex made for a fitting backdrop for Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the Municipal’s Green Energy Improvement project.
   Flanked with representatives from Siemens Industry, Inc., members of the Township Committee along with various township employees ceremonially cut the ribbon. In 2011 Siemens was hired to prepare an energy audit and savings plan, at no cost to the township.
   Solar panels were put atop the municipal building roof in the fall. In April the solar power generating system was activated. During the Fourth of July holiday, the system sent back to the grid about 1,000 kilowatt hours, which equates to an average home in Hillsborough’s monthly usage, said township offiicals.
   The energy savings plan included the replacement of the municipal building’s 20-year-old roof and HVAC system, and other facility improvements. In addition, the plan called for a solar photovoltaic system at no installation cost to the township.
   ”Hillsborough Township will be saving a minimum of $1.2 million in energy costs and now has a new roof, 34 new HVAC units, a central control system and lighting upgrades complete with solar power,” said Mayor Carl Suraci.
   If in any year, the amount of projected savings falls short, Siemens will write the township a check for the difference, said the mayor.
   ”As we have already seen, over the Fourth of July, any solar energy produced beyond the township’s usage is a bonus,” said Mr. Suraci.