AMHERST — Amherst’s first solar bylaw, which will guide the siting of future large-scale renewable energy projects, will be the responsibility of the Solar Bylaw Working Group.
With one representative eachcoming from the Planning Board, Energy and Climate Action Committee, Conservation Commission, Board of Health and Water Supply Protection Committee, Town Manager Paul Bockelman is recruiting two community volunteers to serve on the panel, which is charged with developing the bylaw over the next 14 months.
The proposed bylaw, due to the Town Council for action in May 2023, will describe standards and guidelines to encourage responsible development of solar installations, including battery storage. The bylaw will promote health and safety while preserving natural resources, and will focus on ground-mounted solar, as well as solar development on the roofs of buildings and over parking lots.
During the work, members will do research, including identifying and prioritizing sites for solar development, and attend what are expected to be twice-monthly meetings.
A town-funded solar resource assessment will be provided to the working group.
Brianna Sunryd, the town’s communications manager, said those interested in being part of the working group should fill out a community activity form at www.amherstma.gov/caf.
For more information, contact the town’s community participation officers at GetInvolved@AmherstMA.gov or 413-259-3002.
— Scott Merzbach