The array described in the ordinance would be much larger than solar systems used for private homes, which are already allowed by city zoning.
A photovoltaic array in California.NORTHAMPTON – In an effort to ensure that the city can make hay while the sun shines, the City Council has moved along a proposed ordinance to facilitate the installation of large-scale photovoltaic panels.
The ordinance that came before the council last Thursday asks that the zoning be amended so that solar photovoltaic systems of more than 250 kilowatts be allowed by right in a variety of zones. Currently, a special permit is required to install such a system. The council referred the matter to the Planning Board, Ordinance Committee and Committee on Education, Housing and Land Use for comment and review.
Planning Director Wayne M. Feiden, who sponsored the ordinance along with Ward 4 Councilor Pamela Schwartz and Energy Officer Christopher Mason, said it would streamline the installation process and help Northampton take advantage of an opportunity to sell renewable electricity to power companies. According to Feiden, power companies are required by law to purchase a portion of their electricity from “green” sources.
“It’s a window that’s going to close after the power companies get to 15 percent,” he said.
The array described in the ordinance would be much larger than solar systems used for private homes, which are already allowed by city zoning. Feiden said a developer would need at least four acres to install enough panels to generate 250 kilowatts. His office has already fielded several calls from people interested in locating a photovoltaic array in Northampton.
“Investors around Massachusetts are looking for sites,” he said.
Northampton could follow the lead of other communities that are planning photovoltaic arrays over capped landfills, Feiden said. The city’s Department of Public Works has been looking into putting one at the Glendale Road facility after it reaches capacity and shuts down next year.
Mason said the ordinance also serves the purpose of cementing Northampton’s status as a “green” community, a designation that gives it an advantage when applying for state energy grants. The council will revisit the matter when the ordinance comes back from the committees.