Stonington — A plan to erect a solar energy farm at the town transfer station has been placed on the back burner after officials discovered technical and cost issues with the proposal.

First Selectman George Crouse said that going forward the town will look at ways to decrease its electricity bill by possibly installing panels on the soon-to-be renovated Deans Mill and West Vine Street elementary schools and other town-owned land.

The effort began when a firm called Solar City conducted a study for the town that showed the current schools were too old for such a project, but 6 acres of the landfill would provide a good location, generating 2 megawatts of electricity and saving the town about $90,000 a year.

Crouse said nine firms showed interest in the plan and six submitted bids. Meanwhile, town officials visited the town of Glastonbury, where Crouse said solar panels have been erected on schools and town properties.

But Crouse said the power line running from the transfer station to Route 1 was found not to be the type needed for the proposed project, and the cost to install the proper line would be in the area of $1 million. That would negate much of the savings.

In addition, he said regulations would not allow the town to use credit for the electricity it generated at the transfer station at other town buildings.

Crouse said the town currently has an electricity contract through 2017 and may reconsider the plan next year.

He said the town is looking at the possibility of placing solar panels at other locations and will encourage the school board to include solar panels on its new buildings.

In related energy development, Crouse said Yankee Gas has discussed with him a preliminary proposal to install a gas line from Route 1 and North Water Street down Flanders, Deans Mill and Jerry Browne Road to Coogan Boulevard. He said the line could spur development and lower energy costs for existing businesses.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas