Consider Boost for Solar Power

Solar energy systems could get a boost from Southampton Town. In an effort to find ways to reduce the town’s energy load, an initiative set forth in the town’s comprehensive and sustainability plans, the board is considering changes that would relax property clearing restrictions to allow more area for solar energy systems as an accessory use.

Ground-mounted solar energy systems with at least 5,000-kilowatt output that take up no more than 4,500 square feet would be exempt from the total clearing currently allowed. “Although we’re giving people more clearing, it’s not a lot,” said Mike Benincasa, the chief building inspector, who helped write the amendments, at a town board hearing on Aug. 9.

Under current rules, on a six-acre property, for example, the owner could clear up to 15 percent of it, or 36,000 square feet. Under the proposed rules, if the owner wanted to install solar panels on the ground, he or she would be allowed an additional 2 percent over that, bringing the total allowable clearing on that lot to 40,500 square feet, or approximately one acre. 

Mr. Benincasa said there is a need to incentivize additional solar systems throughout the town to eliminate the need for additional power lines and power generating plants.

The dilemma is often, “Does it pay to cut down trees to get sun on your collectors?” he said. It comes down to what he called “tree math.” Nearly 50 trees would have to be cut down to lose the environmental benefit of the solar panels, he said. “You’d have to be in a dense, dense forest in order to have that.”

Kyle Collins, the town planning and development administrator, said the proposal is subject to State Environmental Quality Review, which will balance the benefits of alternative energy and the protections clearing restrictions offer. That analysis will be done prior to the board’s vote on the amendments, he said. “Trading one environmental initiative for another” was a concern of the town’s planning board, which reviewed the amendment, Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said at the meeting.

In addition, the amendment specifies that only 20 percent of additional clearing could be covered with impervious surfaces. Ground-mounted solar energy systems could be no higher than 10 feet and would have to adhere to setback requirements. If the system is removed, the area has to be revegetated.

The proposed changes also involve definitions not previously in the code, including what ground-mounted solar energy systems are. 

The proposal, which came from the recommendations of the town’s sustainability committee, is the first of a two-part rollout concerning solar, according to Mr. Collins. A future proposal would look at creating regulations for solar as a principal use and at creating neighborhood solar systems.

Southampton Town recently launched a program to assist homeowners in finding ways to lower energy costs. Free home energy audits, rebates, and low-interest financing are among the programs being offered.

The hearing was held open, as the town has to wait for comments from the Suffolk County Planning Commission. The matter was adjourned until the next town board meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m.