Homeowners' solar panel plans cloud over in Clarkson Valley

Homeowners' solar panel plans cloud over in Clarkson Valley Here at least for now, it's lights out for a plan by Jim and Frances Babb to install solar panels at their property in Clarkson Valley. "People claiming a negative impact on property values are not correct," Frances Babb said. After the board vote, Jim Babb, who'll be seeking an aldermanic post during the April 3 elections, said he was disappointed. Barry Upchurch, a real estate broker who lives in Kehrs Mill Estates, said he feared the solar panels would create "a visual taint affecting the the importance of homes in the area. " "In my experience, this could lead to a 10 to 20 percent drop in the value of a property," he said. Frances Babb and the couple's attorney, Stephen Jeffery, said they're determining their next step. He said the 4. After those comments, the board unanimously voted against legislation that would have granted a special use permit to the Babbs to fit a solar energy system at their house on Kehrsdale Court. "The more than 1,700 square feet of solar panels they want is inappropriately large," Andrew Barnett said. Aldermen gave final approval two months ago to two laws that amended the city building code and allowed solar energy systems to be regulated and approved under a special use permit process. Jeffery told the aldermen that a state law gives people property rights that allow them to capture solar energy. " The couple was asking for 52 solar panels to be on the roof of their home and garage, with the remaining 48 to be ground-mounted. 5-acre site of the Babbs' heavily-wooded property and its extensive setbacks would help with visibility issues. "Jim and Frances have invested a great deal of time, effort and money and have tried to do the right thing to put together a good project," Jeffery said. But neighbors Andrew and Ellen Barnett were opposed. "I'm disappointed this puts me at odds with the Babbs, whom I enjoy as neighbors. Homeowners' solar panel plans cloud over in Clarkson Valley Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 12/03/2012