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Historic commission approves 150 kW behind-the-meter solar array for Chapin Beach research site
Summary
Select Energy representatives won unanimous approval for a behind‑the‑meter 150 kW DC solar array (about 312 panels) at an agricultural research site near Chapin Beach; presenters said the project was developed with grant support from Eversource, USDA and Fish & Wildlife.
The Dennis Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District commission unanimously approved a behind-the-meter solar installation proposed for an agricultural research facility near Chapin Beach.
Chad Kuchar of Select Energy (S6) told the commission the project had been in development for about 18 months with Eversource, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Fish & Wildlife and that grant funding helped make the installation economically viable. "We've been working on this project for the better part of 18 months with Eversource and the USDA and Fish and Wildlife and, managed to get... a sizable grant," Kuchar said.
Aaron Gormley (introduced by Select Energy and represented in the record as the project manager, S10) described the array’s technical details: Kuchar and Gormley said the system is approximately a 150 kilowatt DC system using roughly 312 panels rated at about 480 watts each. The company said the array will be "behind the meter," meaning it will offset the research site's own electricity use rather than exporting large amounts of power to the grid.
Commissioners asked for site plans and confirmed that visibility from the public way was limited; the project representative shared a site plan and noted conduit and access considerations between buildings. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the application and the board voted unanimously in favor.
Next step: Select Energy and the applicant will proceed with building and electrical permits and follow required permitting and inspection procedures.
