[MassHistPres] rooftop solar panels

[Betty Slade]

Chapter 40 C, Section 7, states:  the commission shall also consider the policy of the commonwealth to encourage the use of solar energy systems and to protect solar access.  
 That makes me think that Historical Commissions should consider solar panels in some form.  Have there been any court cases about solar panels and historic district decisions? Betty SladeWestportChair, CPC
In a message dated 4/20/2023 10:21:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, masshistpres at cs.umb.edu writes: 

Good morning,

 

The Salem Historical Commission has added new guidance on solar panel installation in its recently updated design guidelines, which can be found here:   https://cityofsalem1.sharepoint.com/sites/HistoricalCommission/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FHistoricalCommission%2FShared%20Documents%2FDesign%20Guidelines%20Update%2FFinal%20Design%20Guidelines%20Update%202022%2FSalem%20Historical%20Commission%20Guidelines%20Notebook%202022%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FHistoricalCommission%2FShared%20Documents%2FDesign%20Guidelines%20Update%2FFinal%20Design%20Guidelines%20Update%202022&p=true&ga=1

 

In general, the Salem Commission is supportive of solar installations but works with owners to place panels in least visible location, attach mounting equipment in least invasive method possible, and install panels parallel to roof plane with minimal height above roof surface. In addition, all associated mechanical equipment should be installed at rear of building.

 

Best,

 

Patti

 

Patti Kelleher

Preservation Planner

City of Salem | Department of Planning & Community Development

98 Washington St., 2nd Floor | Salem, MA  01970

978-619-5685  ext. 42510 |  pkelleher at salem.com

www.preservingsalem.com | www.salem.com

  

*Staff liaison to the Salem Historical Commission & Salem Community Preservation Committee

  



 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu>  On Behalf Of Jack LeMenager via MassHistPres
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2023 9:24 AM
To: forrestj100 <forrestj100 at yahoo.com>
Cc: MHC MHC Listserve <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] rooftop solar panels

 

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Alisa — The Board of Trustees of the historic Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester (the nation’s oldest continuously operating farm) wanted to install solar panels on its barn roofs. 

 

The Winchester Historical Commission debated the matter at great length. Two factors eventually swayed us toward unanimous acceptance. 

 

First was their removability (as cited in other responses here). 

 

But second was the history of the farm and its original owner, the Wright family, which was always on the cutting edge of 18th and 19th century farming techniques and technologies. The Board argued that if the Wright family was still running the farm, they would certainly opt for solar panels.  

 

Jack LeMenager 

Chair, Winchester Historical Commission 

Winchester, MA

 

 

 

 

 






On Apr 19, 2023, at 10:04 PM, forrestj100 via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:

 

 

Hi Alisa,

 

The Newbury Historical Commission is looking for the same information.  We are also looking to create a standard type of response for solar on historic homes in general.

 

I can't wait to see what others are doing!

 

Thanks,

 

Janice Forrest 

Newbury Historical Commission 

 

 

Sent from my Galaxy Tab A

 

 

-------- Original message --------

From: Alisa Struthers via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>

Date: 4/19/23 4:58 PM (GMT-05:00)

To: Mass Hist <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>

Subject: [MassHistPres] rooftop solar panels

 

I'm looking to get a sense of how other towns are ruling on roof top solar panels in Historic Districts.

Thank you in advance for input

Alisa

Townsend Historic District Commission

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Jack LeMenager

781-454-7611

jlemen11 at icloud.com

 

 

 
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