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Planning Board debates draft solar ordinance, members express cost and safety concerns
Summary
The Washington Planning Board reviewed a draft solar ordinance July 7; members questioned array-size limits, whether panels count as impervious surface, installer requirements for battery systems, and Fire Chief inspection authority, and asked staff to revise the draft for a future public hearing.
The Washington Planning Board spent a substantive portion of its July 7 meeting reviewing a draft solar ordinance, with members pressing for clearer technical definitions and for language that does not unduly burden homeowners.
Pete Martin, who brought the draft language to the meeting, said the ordinance attempts to allow residents to meet on-site energy needs while setting community standards; "we took into consideration that a residence might need to meet their on-site needs," he said. The draft sets a one-acre cap on community solar land coverage — "community solar is capped at 1 (one) acre," members noted — and includes a 700-square-foot reference in general requirements, which Piatt questioned.
Board members debated several contested points. Piatt objected to the use of the word "shall" in setback language and warned that strict requirements could push applicants to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; he also objected to a proposed requirement that batteries be installed only by licensed electricians, saying, "I could install my solar myself." Member Cashorali said the draft may be cost-prohibitive and could limit production, while Caffrey said state rules require licensed installation and the Fire Chief may need to inspect for code and safety issues. Kluk emphasized the practical need for the Fire Chief to know panel locations in case of fire.
The board questioned whether solar panels should be treated as impervious surface; Caffrey reported that the state considers panels impervious, and Piatt asked Martin to check the source. Members also discussed decommissioning and disposal: Martin, Kluk and Schwartz raised options including bonding, and noted the town is exploring whether the transfer station (Thayer) can accept panels and whether DES-listed vendors will take them.
No ordinance was adopted. The board agreed to revise the draft and hold a public hearing after Martin, Kluk and Schwartz prepare a revision for further review.
Why it matters: The draft ordinance would affect how much solar can be sited in Washington, the standards for residential and community-scale systems, and responsibilities around installation, inspections and panel end-of-life handling. Board edits will shape whether the final rules encourage or constrain local solar deployment.
