Sanbornton commission weighs rooftop solar for town library

SANBORNTON, N.H. — The Sanbornton Historic District Commission on March 17 heard from Library Trustee Chair Ginny Blackmer and Library Director Rebekka Mateyk about plans to install solar panels on the south-facing roof of the library's Woodman Building and the connector to the newer section.

Blackmer said the trustees had conducted an energy audit several years ago and have obtained multiple quotes. "We would like to work on making the building more sustainable," she said, and a consultant recommended setting the panels back from the front of the building where possible.

Chair Sam Swartz emphasized minimizing visual impact. "I would like to not see the cable running from the panels to the inverter down the center of the roof/building," he said, adding that "any equipment should be as unobtrusive as possible." Mateyk said she had previously located mini-split equipment out of public view and that one vendor told her the panels would be matte; she said she would confirm finish and mounting details.

Trustees said a decision to move forward would need to be made within about a month and that the application process should begin by July 4 to take advantage of available tax credits. Mateyk also noted that the newer building's roof will likely need replacement before panels can be installed and asked the commission for input on preferred roofing materials. Alternate Barbara Whetstone said designer metal shingles "would look good but are expensive," while Swartz said matching other buildings' roofs would be preferable. Member Nina Gardner noted other solar projects have occurred in the district but emphasized this proposal differs because the library is listed on the National Historic Registry.

No formal vote or permit decision was taken; trustees and staff appeared to be asking the commission for design guidance and to flag timing and roof-replacement sequencing so the project can proceed if approved in the coming weeks.