ASPEN, Colo.—Pitkin County, known for its environmental friendliness, is debating how high freestanding solar panels should be built.
A staff recommendation to change the height limit to 16 feet from 10 feet off the ground died on a 2-2 vote Wednesday when the push for renewable energy collided with preserving the mountain community’s rural character.
The staff is expected to make another proposal.
Commissioner George Newman says expanding renewable energy is commendable, but the county should address the impacts of facilities on neighborhoods. He says some homeowners are bothered by glare from neighboring solar panels.
But Commissioner Patti Kay-Clapper says defeating the proposal sends the wrong message after county voters approved a district allowing people to take out low-interest loans to install renewable energy systems.
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Information from: The Aspen Times,
