Selectmen allow energy committee to explore solar field at 560 Breakfast Hill; approve $300 Clean Energy NH membership

The Greenland Board of Selectmen on Monday, April 7, voted to allow the town’s Energy Committee to bring solar developers onto town-owned land at 560 Breakfast Hill Road to study whether a solar field is feasible, and separately authorized a $300 municipal membership in Clean Energy New Hampshire.

Alice Passer, speaking for the Energy Committee, told the board the committee wants to “explore the possibility of building a solar field on town property, namely 560, Breakfast Hill Road,” and that the group would ask two or three solar developers to visit the site and provide feasibility information.

Passer said the site is adjacent to the Coakley Landfill, includes wetlands and areas of ledge, and that developers would likely need to perform a site survey. She described two broad options: leasing the property to a developer (yielding lease revenue and possibly discounted electricity) or the town owning a field outright — an option that would cost more up front and might require a bond or warrant article but could let the town control output, including possible battery storage.

Board members and the Energy Committee discussed regulatory questions. Passer said the parcel is “directly behind the Bethany Church” off Breakfast Hill and that the landfill property is contiguous; she noted the site may be part of, or adjacent to, a brownfield or Superfund area and that the town should consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other authorities before disturbing the land. Passer also noted an existing electrical pole near the parcel that could simplify grid interconnection.

The board voted to allow the Energy Committee to meet with developers and access the property; the motion carried on a voice vote. The board then approved a motion authorizing the town administrator to purchase a municipal membership in Clean Energy New Hampshire at the $300 level. Passer said the $300 option provides expert consultation on solar and other energy issues and includes two complimentary tickets to the group’s local clean-energy fair.

The Energy Committee and the board agreed that developer site visits and initial information-gathering would be no cost to the town. Passer said developers would be asked how much electricity a field might produce, longevity and maintenance requirements, and cost estimates. The board discussed next steps including a likely first contact with EPA or other regulators if the site’s Superfund/brownfield status requires federal review.

The board’s approvals were limited to allowing access for study and to pay for the municipal membership; no construction, lease, purchase or financing decisions were made. Passer and other committee members said any further steps — such as selecting a developer, negotiating a lease or approving town-funded purchase — would return to the board for formal decisions.

The Energy Committee members at the meeting included Alice Passer and Peter Bollin; the developer visits and any further work will be coordinated with the town and the committee.