To create a large-scale, 30 megawatt solar farm on a golf course in Hatchville, 20 acres of trees would need to be cut and setbacks to abutting properties reduced. Those conditions are cause of much of the opposition to the project. Opponents are saying it is the right idea but in the wrong location.
âWe support renewable energy, especially a large-scale commercial such as this,â Noreen Stockman, Falmouth Zoning Administrator wrote on behalf of the zoning board. âThe town has many appropriate places for ground-mounted solar, like municipal landfills.â
The few advocates pointed to the benefits, including that the developer purchasing the entire property will donate it to the town after the life span of the arrays, which is about 40 years. Then the land would be conserved in perpetuity. The arrays would be decommissioned and a bond would be set up ahead of time to ensure they are taken down.