Solar Energy

The Conservation Element of the General Plan includes a section on energy conservation. The Town constructed a new energy-efficient town hall which includes a 30 kW PV system that supplies half of its electrical energy annually. The building also features natural day-lighting, including strategically placed solar light tubes to reduce electrical lighting load (334). The plan also includes incentives to encourage the use of solar power including waiving building permit fees, exempting up to 500 square ft. from development area calculations, and a bonus of up to 500 square ft. of development area (335). Goal 8 of the element is to promote energy-efficient construction and the use of alternative energy sources. Policy 8.2 is to encourage active and passive solar energy design in building and site development.