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Planning board considers SolSmart participation to review town solar ordinance
Summary
Members discussed joining the SolSmart program to obtain an outside review of Brookfield's solar ordinance and permitting process; the program offers technical assistance and a recognition framework.
Brookfield — At its April 14 meeting the planning board discussed the SolSmart program and whether the town should request a review of its solar ordinance and permitting process.
A board member described SolSmart as a structured program — with bronze, silver and gold recognition levels — that offers technical assistance and a list of review criteria to help municipalities refine solar permitting and policy. The board noted the program includes consultants who can review local ordinances and offer recommendations at no cost to the town.
Board members said they asked staff for a rough estimate of the town's monthly energy costs; staff indicated the municipal facility energy bill is roughly $2,300 per month. Board members discussed payback timelines for municipal solar projects and framed SolSmart primarily as an ordinance- and process-review service rather than a direct procurement program. The board flagged interest in having consultants review Brookfield's existing solar ordinance and in participating in a small number of scheduled SolSmart webinars if the town proceeds.
Members asked staff to share SolSmart materials and to indicate whether they or SRPC (the regional planning commission) could assist in coordinating the review. The board did not take a formal vote to enroll in the SolSmart program at the April 14 meeting.
