Town to Look Into "Green" Energy for Street Lights

The town of Riverhead is exploring two different "green" initiatives, a self-powering street light and a series of solar panels on the town's capped landfill, according to Town Councilman George Gabrielsen. 

The street light, produced by lighting company Sav Watt, is an LED light that uses a small solar panel and a 59-inch-tall wind turbine on the top of the pole to generate electricity, and can store up to 36 hours worth of backup power, according to a diagram of the light by Sav Watt. Gabrielsen said the pole would not be connected to the town's power grid and would help cut down on energy costs.

Gabrielsen said the first of the new lamps would likely go near the comfort station and community gardens downtown. He said Sav Watt, who were looking to expand their prescnece, would donate the first light.

"They were looking to put one on Long Island," Gabrielsen said. "Why can't it be in Riverhead?" Gabrielsen hopes the light will be installed sometime in November, and would eventually replace the standard lights in town. The town board will discuss the new street light during their work session on Thursday.

Gabrielsen said the Town Board will also meet with representatives from a solar power company to discuss putting solar panels on the town's capped landfill. The panels, Gabrielsen said, would provide between 10 and 11 megawatts to the town, enough to power the town's facilities, like the sewer district and street lights.

Gabrielsen said the new solar power system would save the town an estimated $500,000 on their electric bill, a savings of over 20 percent. The town will discuss opening up a request for proposal (RFP) for the solar power plan on Thursday.