The Town of Yarmouth's recent meeting focused on a proposal to install 11 solar panels on the side roofs of a historic property located at 55 Route 6A. The application, presented by Susan Starkey of Freedom Forever, MA LLC, aimed to address concerns about the visibility of the panels from the main road, a key issue given the property's location in a historic district.

During the discussion, committee members expressed their desire to ensure that the solar panels would not detract from the historic character of the area. The proposal included a revised configuration of the panels, with three facing Willow Street and two on the side, which was intended to create a more uniform appearance. However, some committee members raised questions about the visibility of the panels from Route 6A, suggesting that the best roof for installation might not have been utilized due to concerns about historic preservation.

The committee ultimately decided to table the application for further review, emphasizing the importance of having all members present for a vote and the need for clarity regarding the proposed panel placements. The chairman noted that while the goal is to minimize visibility, the panels do not need to be completely invisible, allowing for some flexibility in design.

The discussion highlighted the balance between embracing renewable energy solutions and preserving the aesthetic integrity of historic properties. The next steps will involve further consultations to explore alternative configurations that could better meet both the solar energy goals and the community's historic preservation standards. Residents can expect updates as the committee continues to evaluate the proposal in the coming weeks.