Solar Ordinance Finally Coming for Vote

After months of discussions, the Bedminster Township Committee is finally expected to vote on the solar ordinance at Monday’s meeting.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the municipal building on Miller Lane.

In mid May, the Land Use Board determined that the proposed solar ordinance is not inconsistent with the township’s master plan.

Over the course of several meetings, the committee discussed different aspects of the ordinance, including placement of solar panels and other regulations.

The ordinance was originally introduced in March, but was pulled back after committee members expressed concerns about some of the language and requirements already outlined.

A key part of the proposed ordinance would prohibit the construction of any solar facility that would produce electricity for use off the facility’s property. Committee members included in the ordinance a standard that solar panels could only generate 110 percent of the power required on the property.

In its discussion of the ordinance over the past three months, the township committee has focused on what zones ground-mounted solar panels would be allowed. Roof-mounted panels will be allowed in all zones.

Ground-mounted solar arrays will not be allowed in residential areas with smaller lot sizes. The ground-mounted panels will be allowed in the township’s R-10 zone, which calls for a minimum lot size of 10 acres, mostly in the western part of the township.

The ground-mounted panels will also be allowed in the R-3 zone, where lot sizes are at least three acres, and in the office zones in the Route 206 corridor.

The ground-mounted panels will be prohibited in all other zones, including the PUD zone which covers most of the Hills community and the shopping center on Hills Drive. Committee members previously expressed concerns that ground-mounted panels in residential neighborhoods would detract from the nature of the area.

What do you think of the solar ordinance as it comes for final vote?