Key Takeaways
- The new solar ordinance mandates upfront decommissioning costs before construction.
- Pricing for decommissioning is determined by a contractor and set at approximately $350,000.
- Existing residential solar panels are unaffected by this ordinance.
Details of the New Solar Ordinance
During their recent meeting, the Bell Township supervisors discussed a new solar ordinance. Chair Doug Horne stated that while the existing ordinance cannot be modified, a new one can be established. The primary focus of this ordinance is to require that contractors pay for complete decommissioning and dismantling costs before initiating any solar or wind turbine projects in Bell Township.
Horne explained that this fee is determined by a contractor, who will assess the necessary expenses for deconstruction along with the construction costs. Currently, the estimated price for decommissioning stands at $350,000. If the ordinance is approved, there will be a five-day period for further applications, but contractors will be given another 60 days to submit their plans as required.
The ordinance also outlines that any solar or wind turbine facilities that impact multiple townships or boroughs will require separate approvals from each governing body involved. This adds an extra layer of oversight for projects that extend beyond the jurisdiction of a single township.
Importantly, the new ordinance does not alter regulations concerning existing residential solar panels, ensuring that current installations remain unaffected by the changes. The supervisors emphasized that this process was somewhat unexpected, and they have limited power to accept or reject specific projects already on the table.
This development reflects a growing trend towards stringent regulations for renewable energy installations, aimed at ensuring responsible planning and execution, with particular emphasis on eventual decommissioning. As the community moves forward, the potential impacts on both new and ongoing solar initiatives will be closely monitored.
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