[MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

[Burks, Sarah]

In Cambridge, we have approved a few solar installations in the neighborhood conservation districts and one installation in the historic district, not all of which were binding reviews and not all of which have been constructed to date. I am compiling a list of the completed projects, but as of now I know only of one, 55 Antrim Street. Interest has been expressed from several other property owners, who have not yet applied.

While each application would be reviewed on a case by case basis, the design elements that have been considered in making determinations have included:


·         Location on the building

·         Shape of the roof

·         Existing roofing materials

·         Extent of visibility

·         Reversibility of the installation

·         Significance and integrity of the building

·         Angle of the panels

·         Color and reflective quality of the panels

·         Regularity of the panel placement

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Dcolebslade at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 1:38 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

I note the following relevant parts of Chapter 40C:7 and of Chapter 40A:1A.

Could we have feedback on experience in other historic districts on granting or not granting certificates for solar energy systems?

Thank you.
Betty Slade, Westport


Chapter 40C, Section C:7, lines 13-17.

Chapter 40C: Section 7. Factors to be considered by commission


Section 7. In passing upon matters before it the commission shall consider, among other things, the historic and architectural value and significance of the site, building or structure, the general design, arrangement, texture, material and color of the features involved, and the relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area. In the case of new construction or additions to existing buildings or structures the commission shall consider the appropriateness of the size and shape of the building or structure both in relation to the land area upon which the building or structure is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity, and the commission may in appropriate cases impose dimensional and set-back requirements in addition to those required by applicable ordinance or by-law. When ruling on applications for certificates of appropriateness for solar energy systems, as defined in section one A of chapter forty A, the commission shall also consider the policy of the commonwealth to encourage the use of solar energy systems and to protect solar access. The commission shall not consider interior arrangements or architectural features not subject to public view.

The commission shall not make any recommendation or requirement except for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or the architectural characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district.


Chapter 40A, Section 1A
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/40a-1a.htm

Chapter 40A: Section 1A. Definitions


Section 1A. As used in this chapter the following words shall have the following meanings:

“Solar access”, the access of a solar energy system to direct sunlight.

“Solar energy system”, a device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generating, or water heating


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