[MassHistPres] Fwd: Solar roof panels & solar "shingles"

Thu Jul 30 09:50:53 EDT 2009

[cid:image001.jpg at 01CA10FB.3A040C60]

Dennis,

Here's a picture of a house with the solar shingles in Cambridge. It wasn't in a district, so we didn't review it, though we have approved solar panels in a several other cases. We have not yet developed guidelines for solar installations, but we probably will get there. What type of roofing material does the house have now? Asphalt? I think these solar shingles look pretty good, mostly because they are consistent across the whole roof plane, rather than a panel that sits on top. Would the angle of the roof plane remain the same, or does your applicant want to change that to enhance the functionality of the slates?

Sarah

______________________
Sarah L. Burks
Preservation Planner
Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Fl.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone 617-349-4687; Fax 617-349-3116; TTY 617-349-6112
http://www.cambridgema.gov/historic

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Dennis De Witt
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:23 AM
To: MHC MHC listserve
Subject: [MassHistPres] Fwd: Solar roof panels & solar "shingles"

Picking up the thread below from 12/08.  Does anyone now have any additional experience with solar panels?  Or has anyone written a guideline?

We have an applicant who wants to do photovoltaic "slates" even though the roof is not particularly well shaped for it -- semi-hipped with a big dormer in the middle -- and even though he admits that the economic numbers don't work.  It appears to be important to him as the right thing to do.

Dennis De Witt
Brookline

Begin forwarded message:

From: Dennis De Witt <djdewitt at rcn.com<mailto:djdewitt at rcn.com>>
Date: December 8, 2008 5:29:31 PM EST
To: MHC listserve <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

But 40c is not zoning, so I should think that citation would not apply beyond the not very assertive reference in 40c.  (Same reason Dover doesn't apply to LHDs)

Just for something to put out on the table, here are some thoughts about solar panel guidelines.

Solar roof panels would be acceptable:
a) if the roof is not slate,
b) if the panels will lie flat on the roof surface,
c) if they are as unobtrusive in color, appearance, and placement as practical,
d) if no other features, such a dormers or chimneys are removed or compromised;
e) if there are no special circumstances or characteristics of the particular house that in the opinion of the commission outweigh the benefits of the panels,
f) in addition, to the extent possible, it is preferable that they be on a side or the rear rather than the front.

I'm not a lawyer, but I'd think that might meet the requirement of 40c.

Dennis De Witt

On Dec 8, 2008, at 4:28 PM, M Fenollosa wrote:

The relevant language is as follows:

" No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate
the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures
that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary
to protect the public health, safety or welfare."

and can be read at http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/40a-3.htm

Marilyn Fenollosa

Judi Barrett (Home Office) wrote:

The consultant is referring to Chapter 40A, s. 3 (zoning).
Judi Barrett
Director of Planning
Community Opportunities Group, Inc.
129 Kingston Street, Third Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Boston Office: (617) 542-3300, ext. 308
Home Office: (781) 834-7324
Cell: (617) 455-8641

------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu<mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu>
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] *On Behalf Of *blever3043 at aol.com<mailto:*blever3043 at aol.com>
*Sent:* Monday, December 08, 2008 1:59 PM
*To:* masshistpres at cs.umb.edu<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
*Subject:* Re: [MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

In Newton an installation not very visible from the street was
approved on a new house in one of our local districts. We have another
application pending on a historic building, so I am also interested in
the experiences of others. A solar consultant quoted some chapter to
me (not 40C) stating it was illegal to unduly restrain solar
installations. Has anyone heard of that as well.
Brian Lever
In a message dated 12/6/2008 1:40:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
Dcolebslade at aol.com <mailto:Dcolebslade at aol.com> writes:

  *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*

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Dcolebslade at aol.com<mailto:Dcolebslade at aol.com>
  To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
  Sent: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 1:37 pm
  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=2 0addition 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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