Westhampton Beach: Going Solar Should Be Easier

The Westhampton Beach Village Board is poised to pass a new law that aims to make it easier for residents to obtain permits for solar energy systems.

The draft legislation has been on the back burner until Wednesday night's work session where Village Planner Kyle Collins told village board members that if they pass the law, the village is eligible for $5,000 from Suffolk County.

The $5,000 Collins said is an incentive for municipalities to get on board with green energy.

The draft legislation, which will be subject to a public hearing on November 3 at village hall at 7 p.m., sets up rules and regulations for the installation of solar systems, including set-backs, height requirements and visibility.

The draft legislation also speaks to the types of solar systems that are permitted — they must be certified by a licensed professional and be able to withstand 120 mph wind speeds.

Currently, residents looking to add solar structures to their property must apply through the town's electrical permitting process.

It is expected that the village will look to create similar laws for wind energy and for commercial uses.