Renewable Energy for Historic Buildings

• Author: Alec LeSher
• Pages: 35-39

Part I: Remove Code Barriers 35

RENE WABLE ENE RGY FOR

HISTOR IC BUILD ING S

Alec LeSher (author)

Jonathan Rosenbloom & Christopher Duerksen (editors)

INTRODUCTION

Technological advancements in wind and sol ar energy have increased the

ability to incorporate alternative energy systems in historically signica nt

buildings. Loca l governments can draft ordinances that require compatible

installation of solar panels a nd wind turbines in designated historical dis-

tricts. An ordinance that provides the structure for incorporating renewable

energy systems into historic district s should primarily focus on maintaining

the aest hetic of the historic build ing.1 A proper ordina nce should inc lude,

but is not limited to, setback requirements, placement requirements, design

standards, and whether a certicate of appropriateness is required.2

Ordinances allowing solar energy systems should permit solar panels t hat

are directly exposed to t he sun, ideally on the roof, and that are low prole,

so as not to compromise the historic character of the property.3 is may

mean requiring the use of ush mounted solar panels that are not visible

from the street. Alternatively, solar panels can be placed on the roof that

does not face the public right of way. An ordinance can also require sola r

panels to be placed at lower angles or ush to the roof to keep them out of

the public’s sight. If the roof of a historic building is a dening feature of

the property, solar panels may be placed in secondary locations, such as pole

mounted arrays behind the building or on adjacent lands, so long as they

remain hidden from the public or do not interfere with the historic value of

the build ing.4

Ordinances allowing wind turbines, should also be drafted to ensure

that installation does not diminish the historic character of the property.5

In order to be most eective, wind turbines must typically be taller than the

struct ures around them.6 Due to their highly visible nature, wind turbines

may have diculty nding an ecient location in historic districts, where

they are not diminishing the historic value of the properties.7

One common concern with adding renewable energy systems is that the

systems are incompatible with the historic nature of the buildings and sites.