The Wareham Fire District Water Department received proposals from six companies interested in leasing district-owned land for the construction of a six-acre solar facility adjacent to Charge Pond Road.

Of the six proposals received, three are Massachusetts firms. The others are from New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York.

“The district is very pleased with the response,” said Water Department Superintendent Michael Martin. “The evaluation committee will begin its work right away.”

The evaluation and selection committee will be made up of the chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, chairman of the Prudential Committee, the water superintendent, and the district’s consulting engineer.

The selection process is based on the respondents’ experience, qualifications, professional credentials, and financial stability, Martin said.

As a part of the land lease, a private developer would build the solar system. All the costs associated with the permitting, planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning are the responsibility of the developer.

The project could bring in an estimated $35,000 in revenue and savings annually, according to Martin.

“Based on the quality and experience of the firms responding, the district should reap a significant revenue stream from the land lease and the purchase of all its electrical needs at a discount over the life of the agreement”, said Martin.

Outside of labor costs, energy is the department’s greatest expense. Martin said the district has been looking into the feasibility of using alternative energy for years in an effort to save money.

The project will also generate revenue because the district will lease its land to the developer and receive a portion of the tax credits the developer receives, Martin said.

The Board of Water Commissioners has the final say on which developer is chosen. The developer will also need to have its proposal reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals and meet state environmental standards.

Once approved, Martin said the construction will be relatively quick. He said he hopes to see the facility operational by October.