Boonton Township's Pending Ordinance 953 "to regulate the safe, effective and efficient use of solar panels and solar arrays" unreasonably restricts homeowners from installing solar or continuing to use existing solar installations.  The ordinance does not introduce any new safety measures that are not already included in existing fire and electrical codes; the "look and feel" elements add burdensome restrictions to homeowners.

This ordinance would hurt our:

• Environment:
  • It severely restricts homeowners from installing or using alternative energy sources
• Property rights:
  • The ordinance dictates aesthetic decisions including placement of the solar panels (no street-facing panels) and color of wires (must match the exterior facade)
• Wallets:
  • Personal solar can provide significant energy savings
  • Existing installations are not "grandfathered," creating additional expenses to comply with the new regulations

The ordinance is set to be presented and adopted on December 8th.  Please sign now to ask the committee to reconsider this ordinance.