The Raynham Flea Market is making it a point to multitask this year. It began construction this month on a carport structure with 800 solar panels mounted on the roof, providing both shelter for vendors who previously only operated outdoors, as well as a power source for the market. The project is aimed to preserve the environment and erase the market’s electric bill.
Market owner Jeffrey Mann considered solar panels for two years before breaking ground on the idea. “It’s a pretty good return on the investment,” he told the Taunton Gazette. “You are creating power and taking demand away from the system. Obviously, the energy efficiency and the green part of it is the purpose. We will be able to become environmentally sensitive and join the greening of the country, which is an important thing right now.” By the middle of February, the panels should be fully operational, thanks to local contractors, Munro Distributing. Government incentives, in addition to perks offered by the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, also played a role in the launch of the solar panel project.
The 57,000-square-foot establishment operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, with more than 57,000 square feet holding in excess of 500 vendors. New vendors pay a $10 one-time registration fee, plus $40 per Sunday for an indoor space, $35 per Sunday for an outdoor spot or $154 for four consecutive Sundays. The market is located at routes 24 and 44 on South Street in Raynham, MA. More information may be obtained by calling 508-823-8923 or emailing info@raynhamflea.com.