Historic Resources Committee

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The mission of the Historic Resources Committee (HRC) is to identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage, both nationally and internationally. HRC is engaged in promoting the role of the historic architect within the profession through the development of information and knowledge among members, allied professional organizations, and the public.

  • 1.  Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-12-2017 08:16 PM
    A solar co is offering to do solor arays on roofs in our town, Pound Ridge, NY. for a very good deal. Many homes are in the Historic District which is on the National & State Register of Historic Places. We do plan on contacting these agencies. But has anyone had this issue?
    Thank you.

    Carol A. Cioppa AIA LEED AP
    Cioppa Architects LLC
    92A Fancher Road
    Pound Ridge, NY 10576
    tel: 914 764 1549
    mobile: 203 273 7171

    carolacioppa@cioppaarchitectsllc.com
    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 2.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-13-2017 05:53 PM

    NPS Technical Preservation Services has a bulletin on "Solar Panels on Historic Properties":

    https://www.nps.gov/tps/sustainability/new-technology/solar-on-historic.htm

     

    Barbara Shideler, AIA | Mason Architects | Direct: 808 628-7410 | Mobile: 808 351-3432

     




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 3.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-13-2017 06:06 PM
    If there is a Certified Local Government that oversees modifications to the buildings then there most likely are guidelines on appropriate placement of the solar panels. 

    I serve on a Historic Preservation Commission and we do not recommend installation of solar panel arrays on prominent elevations of contributing homes in the historic districts. On occasion they are approved on additions, garages, or non-historic portions of the building. 

    You will need to consider how installation of the solar panels would impact the character defining historic features of the buildings you are proposing to install them on.

    ------------------------------
    Stephanie Clarkson Assoc. AIA
    Associate
    Trout Architects/Chartered
    Boise ID
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 4.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-15-2017 08:24 AM
    Thank you those observations and advice. I am chair of Landmarks in Pound Ridge. We have no rules in place regarding solar arrays in historic districts or on historic homes. So looking for what other towns have done and state and federal rules as well. Thank you.



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 5.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-14-2017 10:15 AM
    The Providence Historic District Commission, on which I serve, has
    developed design guidelines for solar panels. Here's the link:
    https://www.providenceri.com/efile/6934/.

    Cornelis J. de Boer AIA
    Haynes / de Boer Architecture + Preservation
    One Park Row
    Providence, RI 02903
    (401) 274-1555
    (401) 274-1558 (fax)
    haynes.deboer@verizon.net


    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 6.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-17-2017 05:52 PM
    Thank you so much for this!



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 7.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-14-2017 10:53 AM
    I serve on a Local Historic District and we have been looking at Solar Systems to update our guidelines.  In addition to the visual impact adding panel can have (the NPS web site identified is an excellent resource) there are also concerns about the increase hazard to the building for fighting a fire if NFPA-1 3' setbacks are not followed (Chapter 11.12 Photovoltaic Systems).  These requirements have not been adopted or incorporated in many local regulations because the cost of panels has limited the use, but we have found that local fire departments are all to aware of the hazards an exposed power-producing system presents when accessing or ventilating a roof to fight a fire.

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    Chris Milford AIA
    Milford & Ford Associates
    Wellesley MA
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 8.  RE: Solar arays on historic home roofs

    Posted 04-16-2017 10:07 AM
    Wisconsin state law prevents a municipal government from denying a home owner a permit to install solar panels. I do not agree with that interpretation, but that is how it plays out. The Madison Landmarks Commission had a municipal ordinance that did not allow alteration of the roofline on Landmark buildings and buildings in an Historic District. Some years ago, when I chaired the Madison Landmarks Commission, I helped a number of people install solar panels on historically significant properties that complied with the Secretary's Standards. I also voted against installations that did not comply with the Secretary's Standards. I was told I could not vote against such installations because State law allowed the installation. Those installations happened, but NOT with my approval.

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    Daniel Stephans AIA
    Evansville WI
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West