Zoning board approves 200‑panel rooftop solar installation at 4 Carroll Drive

At its Feb. 4, 2025 meeting, the Zoning Board of Review voted to grant a use variance to allow a rooftop solar array at 4 Carroll Drive, approving US Solar Works’ application for an initial phase of about 200 photovoltaic panels.

The board’s decision followed testimony from Peter Fine of US Solar Works and property owner Craig Herder, who said the roof location was chosen because trees and existing parking limit viable ground‑mount locations and because the roof is close to the site’s electrical service. Fine described the system as "behind the meter" net‑metering that will offset the building’s consumption rather than operate as a stand‑alone field.

The planning board had forwarded a positive recommendation, 6–0, to the zoning board. During the public portion no residents spoke for or against the application. The board polled its members and recorded unanimous approval.

Why this matters: the applicant plans phased work to eventually expand the array; the first phase is intended to offset roughly one‑third of current building energy consumption, reduce the facility’s grid demand, and produce utility meter credits in summer months under Rhode Island net‑metering rules. The applicant also said he received a $48,000 rebate approval from Rhode Island Commerce that will be paid on completion.

Key details from the hearing: the system will be roof‑mounted and ballasted; a structural engineer certified the roof to support the panels; the system is billed as a behind‑the‑meter commercial installation rather than a grid‑scale back‑feed project. The owner told the board he currently bills tenants via sub‑meters and has one main utility meter for the building; he said the panels are intended primarily to serve the owner’s manufacturing equipment and that tenant rent reductions were “not considered” at this time.

Board members who polled in favor cited the industrial character of the area, the limited visibility of rooftop arrays from the street because of mature tree cover, and the proximity of the array to existing electrical service as reasons the variance would not alter the character of the neighborhood and is consistent with the Lincoln zoning ordinance and the town comprehensive plan. The planning board’s written recommendation and the board’s discussion were entered into the record.

The board approved the application for the first 200‑panel phase; the applicant said he plans two additional phases that would bring the total to about 600 panels over time and that battery storage is being considered for a later phase.

Votes at a glance: the planning board recommended approval 6–0; the Zoning Board of Review voted unanimously to approve the application (recorded ayes from board members present).