Town says medical-center solar array can operate while inspectors identify deficiencies
October 20, 2025 | New Shoreham, Washington County, Rhode Island
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Town Manager Amy updated the New Shoreham Town Council on Oct. 20 about inspections of a solar array installed at the medical center after safety concerns were raised during public comment.
Amy said the town reviewed permitting and the required Rhode Island Form 128 (a state requirement for systems over 15 kilowatts) and engaged independent contractors to perform field and desk reviews. An early, high-level review found three general areas of attention; a subsequent field inspection by the town’s electrical inspector and the building inspector produced a preliminary list of eight deficiencies that must be addressed. The town expects the installer to correct those items promptly.
“There was not an imminent need to shut down the system, but they did identify 3 general areas of attention,” Amy said, adding that the installer has been responsive and has met with inspectors. “Those 8 deficiencies are consistent with the ones identified at a higher level by our first immediate responder.”
In public comment, Chris Wharpool (self-identified in the record as an energy/solar professional) told the council he had visually identified a number of code violations, noted that the engineering stamp on the original plans was civil rather than electrical, and said the town should confirm reviewer proficiency. He said he had prepared a nine-page table of issues and asked to see the town’s inspector report. Town staff said the official inspection report would be available through a public-records request once finalized.
Amy said the contractor agreed to make required corrections and that the town’s independent reviewers — including the electrical inspector — did not recommend an immediate shutdown. The town has shared the inspection findings with the installer and property owner and expects corrections to proceed.
Clarifying details published at the meeting: the town’s review found that engineering certification and reviews were part of the file, the independent contractor and the town’s electrical inspector each completed separate reviews (three general issues vs. eight detailed deficiencies), and the system may continue operating while the corrections are carried out. The town indicated a roughly 30-day timeline from first contact to this point and said the installer has been cooperative.
The council did not take formal action; staff said the matter remains under ongoing inspection and follow-up.
Amy said the town reviewed permitting and the required Rhode Island Form 128 (a state requirement for systems over 15 kilowatts) and engaged independent contractors to perform field and desk reviews. An early, high-level review found three general areas of attention; a subsequent field inspection by the town’s electrical inspector and the building inspector produced a preliminary list of eight deficiencies that must be addressed. The town expects the installer to correct those items promptly.
“There was not an imminent need to shut down the system, but they did identify 3 general areas of attention,” Amy said, adding that the installer has been responsive and has met with inspectors. “Those 8 deficiencies are consistent with the ones identified at a higher level by our first immediate responder.”
In public comment, Chris Wharpool (self-identified in the record as an energy/solar professional) told the council he had visually identified a number of code violations, noted that the engineering stamp on the original plans was civil rather than electrical, and said the town should confirm reviewer proficiency. He said he had prepared a nine-page table of issues and asked to see the town’s inspector report. Town staff said the official inspection report would be available through a public-records request once finalized.
Amy said the contractor agreed to make required corrections and that the town’s independent reviewers — including the electrical inspector — did not recommend an immediate shutdown. The town has shared the inspection findings with the installer and property owner and expects corrections to proceed.
Clarifying details published at the meeting: the town’s review found that engineering certification and reviews were part of the file, the independent contractor and the town’s electrical inspector each completed separate reviews (three general issues vs. eight detailed deficiencies), and the system may continue operating while the corrections are carried out. The town indicated a roughly 30-day timeline from first contact to this point and said the installer has been cooperative.
The council did not take formal action; staff said the matter remains under ongoing inspection and follow-up.
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