To the editor:

That Portsmouth needs solar power is a given. However, the proliferation of commercial solar arrays and their encroachment on Portsmouth neighborhoods and natural habitats is worrisome. The town needs constructive zoning policies that will mitigate negative impacts on wildlife areas and/or placement of arrays within 50 feet of residential property, among other problems. 

One small area of Portsmouth’s West Side has seen the development of three solar farms (and a fourth has been proposed), all of which are encompassed by an area of less than a half square mile. The Navy promises two more very near that area. This saturation is resulting in the area taking on an industrial appearance and nearby thickly settled residential neighborhood property values are suffering. 

We may be powerless to influence Navy developments, but it’s not too late to prevent further degradations and eyesores in town-controlled areas. A more carefully crafted solar zoning ordinance is needed. Hopefully the Town Council will revisit the current ordinance and employ a more collaborative approach, considering broader community and expert input during the process.

David Howard

36 Marial Rose Drive

Portsmouth

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