The sun shines perhaps a little brighter for a private school on Windsor's southern border, now that school officials have convinced the town to allow them to install a large solar array.
The Town Council on Wednesday unanimously overturned a Planning Commission decision that denied Sonoma Country Day School's application for the photovoltaic panels.
"We are trying to move away from dependence on foreign oil - that's where I'm at - going toward renewable," Councilman Sam Salmon said.
In a town that has approved 137 permits for solar panel installations since 2008 and espouses a desire for clean, renewable energy, it might seem odd that the school's application for a 33,000-square-foot solar array in an adjacent, vacant parcel off Aviation Boulevard was initially turned down.
But planning officials said it was incompatible with land use guidelines because it would result in a lost opportunity for industrial use that could bring long-term employment and help reverse Windsor'ss "job housing imbalance."
The town allows public utility facilities and infrastructure in industrial zones, but not a private setup such as the school's that serves "a limited off site use," Planning Director Jim Bergman said.
Council members made findings that will allow the solar installation to go ahead next to the 250 student,K-8 school.
In essence, they said it's an unusual situation that can be characterized as an interim use, with potential for future industrial development on the property.
"Obviously we're thrilled," school Principal Brad Weaver said after the council's decision.
Mayor Debora Fudge said it was painful to see planning commissioners turn down a solar array, but she understood their reasoning.
The issue makes it apparent that Windsor needs to update its general plan with a "sustainability element" that will provide more flexibility to install such projects, she said.
"We're going to see this escalate," she said of the demand for solar power. She noted that the county is moving forward with a public power agency that could involve Windsor and other cities and place a premium on renewable energy sources close to home.
"I still support the preservation of industrial land and access to the railroad," said Councilwoman Robin Goble. She said she supported the school's appeal because it doesn't fit neatly into the zoning rules.
"Of course I want to protect job-producing sites," said Councilman Steve Allen. "But as long as the site is owned by the school, it will be a non-job producer. It makes sense to allow it."
The school campus is located at the southern border of Windsor in an unincorporated area. But the solar panels are proposed on an adjacent site the school owns just inside the Town of Windsor.
The project consists of six-foot-high rows of photovoltaic panels mounted on light metal frames fastened to the ground. It will produce 220 kilowatts, enough to provide about half of the school's electric use.
The school entered an agreement with Solar City, a national company that builds, leases and operates solar arrays, to construct the project
The school estimates it will save $100,000 in the first five years and $250,000 in a decade. It would also use the solar installation as an instructional tool for the school's environmental science classes.
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