Amherst Solar Assessment Project

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Consultation has concluded

The Town of Amherst launched a town-wide solar assessment. The Town has contracted GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) to provide technical support throughout this process, that will include a survey, virtual and multiple in-person options for the community to engage and share their thoughts about solar development in Amherst.

The goals of this project are to prepare a map-based assessment of where solar may be feasible; conducting public outreach to gather residents’ thoughts, opinions, and values regarding solar development; and to compile the collected information into a final report for decision makers in the town.

The Amherst Town Council identified a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) has identified renewable energy development as a significant pathway towards meeting the town’s carbon reduction goals in its Climate Action, Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CAARP). Solar development plays a key role in the transition away from fossil fuels.

The need for a community-wide solar assessment serves several purposes. First and foremost, the mapping tool will allow the town’s decision makers the ability to understand where solar is feasible. It will also serve as a useful tool for the Town’s Solar Bylaw Working Group in understanding which land use areas are most likely to be impacted as they develop a regulatory framework that will provide a review procedure to guide and/or restrict development. It will also serve as a resource to residents and businesses that may be interested in pursuing a solar installation.

How to Get Involved:

  • The survey window has now ended.
  • The final report can be viewed by clicking here.
  • Stay tuned for more!

The Town of Amherst launched a town-wide solar assessment. The Town has contracted GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) to provide technical support throughout this process, that will include a survey, virtual and multiple in-person options for the community to engage and share their thoughts about solar development in Amherst.

The goals of this project are to prepare a map-based assessment of where solar may be feasible; conducting public outreach to gather residents’ thoughts, opinions, and values regarding solar development; and to compile the collected information into a final report for decision makers in the town.

The Amherst Town Council identified a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) has identified renewable energy development as a significant pathway towards meeting the town’s carbon reduction goals in its Climate Action, Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CAARP). Solar development plays a key role in the transition away from fossil fuels.

The need for a community-wide solar assessment serves several purposes. First and foremost, the mapping tool will allow the town’s decision makers the ability to understand where solar is feasible. It will also serve as a useful tool for the Town’s Solar Bylaw Working Group in understanding which land use areas are most likely to be impacted as they develop a regulatory framework that will provide a review procedure to guide and/or restrict development. It will also serve as a resource to residents and businesses that may be interested in pursuing a solar installation.

How to Get Involved:

  • The survey window has now ended.
  • The final report can be viewed by clicking here.
  • Stay tuned for more!
  • CLOSED: This short poll has concluded, thank you for sharing your thoughts and stay tuned for the final report.

    Tell us what you think!

    16 responses

    What are you most excited about and/or concerned about regarding solar development in Amherst?

    Responses submitted on Engage Amherst will be compiled with those gathered during the community workshop events. All comments will be included in the final consultant’s report being prepared by GZA, Geoenvironmental, Inc.


    Consultation has concluded
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