Today's 10/29/2010
By Alexis Macarchuk
business@seacoastonline.com
October 29, 2010 2:00 AM
STRATHAM ? The Planning Board recently approved Exeter Subaru's plan to install a six-panel solar array near the dealership's Portsmouth Avenue entrance.
According to the project's site plan, the panels will be affixed to an 11-foot pole mounted in a landscaped isle visible from the street. Exeter Subaru owner David Yanofsky said he hopes the estimated $20,000 project will be complete by January. "I believe we're the first dealership in the area to install a solar (panel) system, and there will likely be more to follow," he said.
According to Jeffrey Haydock of Waterline Alternative Energies of Seabrook, who presented the project to the board, the array will offset 2 to 3 percent of the building's energy bill.
The Planning Board held four meetings to discuss the project before granting approval Oct. 6. The board's approval is conditional on a revised landscape and parking design that will include a minimum of four protective posts surrounding the array. The board also asked that no advertisements be "located, attached or affixed to any portion of the solar array structure."
Last month, board members raised concerns about various unapproved property modifications that are not in compliance with the business's original 1993 and 1996 site plans. They discussed the addition of a spotlight behind the business, unauthorized rows of parking spaces and changes to landscaping designs. In its approval letter, the board included a general condition reminding Yanofsky of the original plans.
Yanofsky said although it took several months, he is happy with the decision. "From a business owner point of view, I was hoping it was approved day one, but I understand," he said. "In the end, I think we reached a compromise that is fair to all concerned."
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Solar project at Stratham Subaru dealership clears hurdle
By Alexis Macarchuk
newsletter@seacoastonline.com
September 03, 2010 2:00 AM
STRATHAM - The owner of Exeter Subaru is one step closer to installing solar panels on his Portsmouth Avenue business.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance request Wednesday night. The company plans to install a six-panel solar array affixed to a 15-foot pole near the building's southeast corner and will now seek approval of the Planning Board.
On Sept. 1, during a joint ZBA/Planning Board meeting, Planning Board members asked Jeffrey Haydock of Waterline Alternative Energies - representing Exeter Subaru - to come back on Sept. 15 with a more detailed site plan.
"We want to see more solar panels in the future but we're trying to set a precedent for sites like this that are maxed out and tight," Planning Board Chairman Janet Johnson said.
Before approving the variance, members of the ZBA asked Haydock questions about the scope and positioning of the proposed panels. Per a request from his client, Haydock did not change their proposed location - 12 feet from the building and two feet from the setback line. Many questioned why the panels could not be moved two feet closer to the building to avoid the need for a variance.
Haydock told the board that moving the pole any closer to the dealership could interfere with the building's roof and cause construction liabilities. He also outlined why several other possible locations, discussed at the last meeting, are not feasible.
Affixing the panels to the roof, Haydock said, would be too heavy and result in increased engineering fees; a location near a Subaru sign next to the road would result in trenching through the parking lot; and another location behind the building is shaded by trees.
ZBA members questioned whether Haydock's concerns qualified as the "unnecessary hardships" needed to grant a variance.
Before the board deliberated, Selectmen Chairman David Canada spoke in favor of the project.
"It's a good policy goal to start building these projects," he said. "The ultimate goal here is for everyone to have (solar panels) in their backyard. Cost is a valid hardship."
Haydock said the overall cost of the project is about $18,000 and noted changing the location of the project would result in additional fees.
According to Haydock, the panels would offset approximately 2 to 3 percent of owner David Yanofsky's utility bill and would produce 2,000 to 3,000 kilowatt energy hours per year.
The Planning Board asked Haydock to conduct an updated survey of the property to ensure the site plan is accurate before the Sept. 15 public hearing.
Planning Board member Robert Baskerville told Haydock, "It looks like the board is leaning towards approving this with a lot of comments, but we would be more comfortable with a cleaner plan."
