"Board approves solar panels"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, September 8, 2010:

Tom Widmeier quickly won approval Tuesday to install a large array of solar panels in the rear of his 12-acre Plumstead property on Meetinghouse Road.

Solar panel decision appealed

"Couple appeals solar panel decision," by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, May 5, 2010:

A zoning hearing board ruling found the permits the township issued allowing the couple to install backyard solar panels were flawed. The homeowners disagreed.

Richland: "Supervisors OK $2.4M solar panel contract"

By Hilary Bentman, Intelligencer, April 13, 2010:

By the end of the summer, solar panels will be installed on 3 acres in Richland.

And by the end of the year, the panels should be helping to power some township properties. . . .

The panels are expected to generate more than 25 percent of the electricity needed to power township- and water authority-owned facilities.

The project is being paid for through a $500,000 grant from PA Conservation Works, a state Department of Environmental Protection-run grant program that provides federal stimulus money to projects that could reduce energy consumption.

The remainder of the cost is being split between the township and the Richland Township Water Authority.

Officials expect the project will pay for itself in a few years through savings on energy costs and the sale of renewable energy credits. . . .

"Board: Solar panel permit wrong"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, April 6, 2010:

The zoning hearing board upheld an appeal to a homeowner's controversial solar panels in Plumstead.

The Plumstead Zoning Hearing Board has agreed with a homeowner who said the township's zoning officer was wrong when he issued a permit allowing his neighbor to install an array of three solar panels in his backyard.

In its recent decision, the board said the panels, each approximately 16 feet high and 10 feet wide, do not qualify as a residential accessory use, which Plumstead's zoning officer, Rich O'Brien, of Keystone Municipal Services, found them to be.

Andrew and Marlene Capreri, who had the solar panels installed at their 4701 Essex Drive home late last year, have the right to appeal the ruling. They can also file an application to have the panels classified as a conditional use, which would require them to gain approval from the board of supervisors. . . .

"Couple appeals zoning decision on solar panels"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, February 18, 2010: ". . . The zoning hearing board is expected to issue a decision on the appeal at its March 3 meeting."

"Solar panel fight not quite over yet"

By Freda Savana, Intelligencer, February 1, 2010: "A couple who objected to a neighbors' installation of freestanding solar panels is challenging the township's permit that allowed them to go up. . . . The zoning hearing board is holding a public hearing on the matter on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the township building. . . ."