After more than a year of work, Lincoln Township is getting an ordinance to regulate solar energy developments.
The board of trustees approved the language this week. Trustee and Planning Commission member Marc Florian tells us the plan is intended to ensure that large solar developers don’t swoop in and take up large amounts of land without township control.
“It would enable us to control what that facility would look like and where it would be located,” Florian said. “It wouldn’t be something that we would have to react to on a moment’s notice, but rather it’s something that we’ve already put in place that any utility-scale solar developer would come to our township — who might come to our township — would know how they’d have to comply.”
Florian previously told us problems caused by large wind or solar projects could include the loss of agricultural land or having to dispose of retired solar panels.
Under state law, the Michigan Public Service Commission controls the regulation of solar facilities of more than 50 megawatts. The new township rule governs facilities of less than 50.
Among other things, the new township rules require a permit for a solar development and set standards for setbacks, height, maintenance, and glare and reflection.
