A running debate on solar panels in the Town of Ballston caught a few rays of public opinion Tuesday, July 31, when the Town Board held a public hearing on a local law that would put limits on freestanding solar panel arrays.
About 50 people were in attendance at the meeting. Town Supervisor Patti Southworth said the board has heard a lot of concerns from residents and that Tuesday’s hearing was the third time the matter has been open for public comment. In all, eight residents took the opportunity to voice their thoughts.
The subject has been discussed for several months after a group of residents filed a lawsuit in late March against Brian and Christa Haines. The Haines’ had a freestanding solar system installed at their home on Long Creek Drive in the Seelye Estates West housing development, and neighbors said the installation had adversely affected property values.
The proposed legislation would impose a height restriction of 10 feet to solar panels mounted on poles. They would also not be allowed in a front yard. Under the existing rules, such arrays are considered accessory structures and can be erected with a building permit. Solar panels mounted on roofs would still be allowed under the new legislation.
Of the residents who spoke at the meeting, many said the town should not impair the progress of renewable energies.
“Do you really see the big picture … the overregulation … do you see what you’re trying to do for a few votes for a few people?” asked resident Richard Voehringer, who said he is having a solar system installed at his home.
Resident Peter Toole then stepped up and asked how many folks in the audience were getting energy from solar. A scattered few hands went up in response.
“What message are you sending to our kids? …We should prioritize here,” he said.
Similarly, resident Polly Windels worried Ballston would appear backward if it were the only town in the county to pass restrictions on solar panels.
“We’ll look like jerks if we go through with this,” she said.
Terri Robben of Midline Road said she has solar power at her home and as such has very low electric bills. She said setting an example for future generations is important.
“Solar power is one of the biggest parts of that as well as wind energy and other things to save money and save energy and save wars,” Robben said. “I understand that some people may not like something that looks ugly in their neighborhood…we have to stop worrying so much about that stuff.”
There were those who advocated for regulation, however. Ivan Botsford said if solar panels were required to be oriented horizontally it would be more aesthetically pleasing. The panels at the property on Long Creek drive are set vertically.
“It is a structure and the town does have some obligation to try to control some of these issues,” he said. “You never know what’s going to go up next.”
Southworth said it is likely the board will discuss and possibly vote on the law at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
“I’m not in favor of this legislation,” she said. “We tried to work a compromise initially … but when it changed … to 10 feet, that’s just extremely restrictive in my eyes.”
