[MassHistPres] Solar panels

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

MGL 40C Section 7 specifically addresses appropriateness of solar
issues:


"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."


I interpret that to mean that a LHDC cannot reject solar panels solely
on the basis that they are not historically appropriate, however, I do
not believe it means that any configuration of solar panels would
automatically be appropriate. 

We recently approved a solar installation in Springfield. The panels
were being installed on a garage, and in order to accommodate the best
angle to the sun, we allowed a small porch-like addition to the garage
to handle the panels. We also required that the metal on the panels be
dark in color, to blend with the house. The garage was in the rear of
the house, so it wasn't much of a detriment to the district.

I don't know if the project has moved forward, we only approved it a
couple of months ago.

Ralph Slate
Springfield Historical Commission

<-----Original Message----->Don,
>Remember that Cape Cod has some unique regulations addressing changes
to
>historic homes in National Register Districts. If the addition of solar
>panels is part of a larger renovation/alteration project (recent
projects or
>projects planned for the future may be considered is there is concern
about
>segmentation) and your board feels the installation would alter
>character-defining features of the historic building, it would trigger
>review by the Cape Cod Commission.
>Regardless of whether it would trigger review or not, the board should
>consider whether the proposed panels would require altering the
physical
>structure of the historic building (for example, do they require
cutting out
>original sections of the roof structure, or do they simply lay on top
of the
>existing roof), and whether they hide or require removal of any
>character-defining features of the building. If these are proposed, you
>should work with the applicant to develop an alternative design.
>
>Sarah Korjeff
>Preservation Specialist
>Cape Cod Commission
>
>
>On 6/6/2008 11:05 AM, "D. Aikman" <theaikmans at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> 
>> 
>> The Chatham Historical Commission has been asked if there
>> is any regulation preventing a home owner from installing solar
panels on the
>> roof of an historic, contributing home in a National Register
District.Does
>> anyone know what if any rules exist?
>> Don Aikman Chair
>> Chatham Hist. Comm.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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