HERRINGS — The village Board of Trustees is considering the installation of solar panels on the roof of the municipal building on Route 3 to offset electrical costs.

Fourth Coast Inc. of Clayton presented the board with a proposal to install 50 SolarWorld 255-watt solar modules. The photovoltaic system would be eligible for funding through the News York State Energy Research and Development Authority. NYSERDA rebates $1.50 per watt up to 50,000 watts per system. Converting to solar power would reduce commercial electrical use by about 97 percent, according to Fourth Coast’s figures, resulting in a $982 annual savings.

The system proposed by Fourth Coast costs $44,625, of which $19,125 would be paid by the rebate, leaving the village’s cost at $25,500. Factoring in anticipated rising electrical rates and cost of maintenance, the system would pay for itself in 16 years.

Moving ahead, Fourth Coast suggested the village “conduct a detailed analysis of the system yield and costs, finalize component design and submit the application to NYSERDA.”

Once approved, installation could begin immediately and would take about two weeks.

In other business, the board set up a special work session to revamp its code of ethics, procurement policy, job descriptions and sewer laws. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the municipal building.

Mayor Richard A. Beirman announced that Rona Intorcia has volunteered to chair the annual village Christmas party. The party is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at the municipal building. Parents are asked to RSVP to 286-4433 by Dec. 7 with the names and ages of their children, up to age 16, so gifts can be purchased.

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