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Periods of rain and snow. Low 34F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%..
Periods of rain and snow. Low 34F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%.
Updated: November 12, 2026 @ 6:20 pm
A large solar array can be seen from Mohr Road in the town of Florida on Nov. 20, 2024.
A large solar array can be seen from Mohr Road in the town of Florida on Nov. 20, 2024.
CAIRO — Anyone looking to introduce new solar panels to the town will need to keep the municipality’s aesthetics in its plans, as stipulated in a new law.
The Cairo Town Board adopted a law last month adding further restrictions to siting for new solar installations, which the law encourages as “a renewable and clean energy” that can reduce the energy load and carbon footprint of the town.
“It isn’t saying we don’t want them,” Board Member John Vandenburgh said Wednesday. “It’s just saying they have to be approved for designated places.”
The law, approved Oct. 21, also prohibits large-scale facilities that do not “principally benefit” town residents.
Provisions in the law encourage “sensible siting” and intend to “facilitate the development and operation of renewable energy systems.” Many regulations relate to aesthetic qualities, “minimizing adverse impacts on neighboring properties and scenic viewsheds.”
“Far be it from us to say to a guy who’s paying taxes on his land what he can do with it,” Vandenburgh said. “But on the same token, you wouldn’t want a landfill next to your house either.”
The town moved forward with drafting the law after hearing concerns from community members, Vanderburgh said. Ray Pacifico, a former planning board chair, was one of the louder voices.
“I’ve been bugging the town to do some commercial solar law,” Pacifico said. “I commend the town board for passing this law.”
Restrictions primarily relate to large-scale “community” facilities, rated with 1 megawatt or less of energy and benefit town residents. Facilities that generate more than 1 MW or do not principally benefit the community are not permitted.
But the law does touch on panels generating power for on-site consumption, including roof panels.
Panels that generate 50 kilowatts of power or less must be applied for with a state Unified Solar Permit. Panels mounted on pitched roofs must be installed parallel to the roof and cannot extend beyond 8 inches of the roof. On flat roofs, panels cannot extend further than 24 inches or the surrounding parapet, whichever is higher.
Freestanding, but not large-scale, facilities are subject to screening requirements.
Vandenburgh acknowledged commercial development, such as solar farms, may be inevitable for communities, and the law reiterates a commitment to clean energy is necessary for Cairo as a “climate-smart” town.
“The use of solar-energy equipment is a necessary and priority component of the town of Cairo’s current and long-term sustainability agenda,” according to the law.
But any large-scale or free-standing panels must be practically invisible to the landscape. Any new facilities must not detract from the “scenic qualities, scenic vistas, rural character and visual qualities of Cairo’s landscape and historic character.”
“You need to do something so that you’re not affecting negatively neighbors’ properties,” Pacifico said. “It’s a very strict law compared to others.”
Sites proposed within 1 mile of another solar facility may receive additional consideration from the planning board.
The law stipulates any structures on such sites must be screened from adjacent neighbors, parklands or any other point the planning board may deem necessary. Methods of visual blocking recommended in the law include “architectural features, earth berms, landscaping … fencing or other features which will harmonize with the character of the property.”
Additional structures must “use materials, colors and textures” that match the environment, and be “screened, placed underground, depressed, earth bermed or sited below a higher topographic grade,” according to the law.
The legislation also encourages facilities to be placed on “unbuildable” sites, such as brownfields and landfills.
“Large-scale community solar energy systems shall be sited in a manner as to have the least possible practical visual effect on the environment,” according to the law. They must also avoid “visible open space, distant views, scenic viewsheds, distinct natural features and cultural and historic resources.”
Any power lines installed on solar-farm properties must be installed underground. Sun glare that may be produced from solar panels should be considered, and facilities must be designed to point glare away from roadways and neighboring properties.
Solar energy systems must have a nonreflective finish and neutral paint colors or materials. Other qualities, such as harmony with surrounding builds and land, are subject to the opinion of the planning board.
Solar panels in large facilities must not be higher than 15 feet from the ground, must be 300 feet from the plot line and “shall not be visible along the street frontage of any lot,” according to the law.
No more than 25% of the parcel may be occupied by solar panels, and just 10% of existing woodland can be removed for the purpose of building panels.
Community facilities must be on a plot of land 20 acres or larger, are subject to renewal every three years and must deliver an annual report to the town planning board.
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