In 2024, the Vestal Town Board voted to enter into a Moratorium to prepare for commercial solar energy production in Vestal. During the Moratorium, the Board listened to residents, researched the matter thoroughly, and acted to ensure the full taxation of all commercial solar energy production. The Town Board also worked on the development of a new Solar Law to ensure the protection of our residents, while allowing commercial solar energy production in appropriate areas.
The new Vestal Solar Law is now finalized. Under the new Solar Law, solar energy production will be allowed in all areas of Vestal, but only in appropriate ways. In residential areas, solar energy production will remain as it is now, non-commercial solar energy production only. In Industrial and commercially designated areas, commercial solar energy production will be allowed, but will be regulated to ensure safety and minimal visibility.
The Town Board members believe that the new Solar Law will provide the most protection for our residents, while allowing the development of commercial solar energy production within Vestal.
Overview of the new Solar Law:
Solar will be allowed in every area of Vestal, but in appropriate ways in appropriate places.
Residential areas will remain residential. Solar energy production for personal use will continue as it is now.
Commercial solar energy production will be allowed in areas that are zoned as “Commercial Development”, “Industrial”, or “Industrial Development”.
In those areas: Large solar farms will be allowed on parcels of 4 acres or more.
Smaller commercial solar energy production will also be allowed, on smaller parcels and as enhancements to existing businesses.
There will be a new review process for all commercial solar.
All commercial solar projects will go through the normal, rigorous review process by our Code Department, Town Engineer, and Planning Board.
After a commercial solar project has gone through that process, it will now go to the Town Board.
The Town Board will conduct the final review.
The new Solar Law requires careful review of each project to protect the environment, ensure safety, and minimize the impact on our residents. Special attention will be given to:
Aquifer protection
Tree preservation
Stormwater management
Visual Impact assessment
Screening
Setbacks
Noise analysis
Wetland preservation
Floodplains and flood prone area protection
Environmentally critical/sensitive area protection
Historical artifact preservation
Drainage systems
Erosion control
And many other protections
The new Solar Law also contains extensive regulations and protections regarding decommissioning.
The Town Board encourages residents to read the new Solar Law and encourages them to email them if they have any questions, concerns, or with their opinions.
Read the new Vestal Solar Law
A message from the Town Supervisor, Maria Sexton:
We have worked very hard, and truly done our best, to ensure that this New Solar Law ensures safety, protects our residents, and allows the maximum amount of commercial solar production in appropriate areas.
I want to thank all the residents who helped us in this effort. We have listened to you throughout this process and incorporated your ideas and suggestions.
The protection of our residents, and responsible development, is a priority for all of the members of the Vestal Town Board. We believe that this new Solar Law achieves the balance that is necessary.
Maria Sexton
Vestal Supervisor