Solar Energy

The town's bylaws enable commercial solar system installations as of right in all districts and provides detailed standards for these uses. It includes a section on commercial photovoltaic installations in its article on special use regulations, which encourages the use of solar energy systems and protects solar access in relation to environmental goals (§145-28.A); it applies to large-scale (greater than 250 kW rated capacity). These systems are permitted in multiple districts as-of-right, but a special permit is required if it is in the VR, MDR, MHP, or LR zones; requires clearing more than 2 acres; is greater than 3 MW in capacity; or the site has no street frontage (§145-28.B).

The town's bylaws also define a number of commercial-solar-related terms and provides requirements. Requirements for approval include site plan approval, site control, an operation and maintenance plan, and utility notification. It also provides dimension and density requirements, design standards, safety and environmental standards, monitoring and maintenance requirements, and discontuance and removal provisions (§145-28.D).