A roundtable discussion last week sponsored by The New Community Coalition gathered representation from regional design review boards to answer that question. The answer – a resounding no.

Actually, no organization in the region is against renewable energy, including solar power options. Participants were able to ask specific, solid questions about the process of putting a project through DRB paces.

Rumors abound in a small town and rumor had it that HARC, the Historic Architectural Review Commission, was reluctant to approve solar panels in town. What we heard was quite different. An early caveat – all projects are judged on their merits – on a case by case basis. Kelvin Verity noted that taking his first project through HARC was “not that bad.” The regulations require three things be addressed: reflectivity, roof slope (matching the angle of the panels to the roof angle) and removability. If these are adequately addressed the HARC process could be a breeze.

The Town of Telluride is unique with certain areas in town designated as “contributing” to the Historic District status. Rules and regulations might be tighter in those locations, but there is definitely no blanket denial of solar projects. Audience questions expanded to query how historically rated structures can become more energy efficient. Daniel Murray of the Town of Telluride noted that some “rehabilitated” older windows are just as efficient, sometimes more efficient, than newer windows. The ripply glass of old days is important in retaining the historic character of the building. However, the interior treatment is unregulated in all but a few cases. So putting up insulative window treatments is just one way to increase energy efficiency in older structures.

Laurie Woods from the Town of Mountain Village was present for the roundtable as well. She noted there are one or two solar energy installations in the Village. Their DRB has given a CO to one of the projects and another is under review. Some people, she noted, think the panels are ugly, others don’t. Chris Myers, lighting consultant and HARC member pointed out that propane tanks, green power transformers and power lines could all be considered “ugly” if we actually noticed them. Because they are part of our daily view they tend to become invisible. With more projects approved – and with knowledge that those panels are reducing the demand for grid energy (in some cases even providing power back to the grid) those who don’t appreciate the aesthetics may change their tune.

Pam Hall from Lawson Hill DRB and Mike Danner from Aldasoro DRB noted their boards don’t really have policies in place for solar power or solar hot water applications. They were looking for input in order to but regulations in place prior to the first request.

The idea of incentives for homeowners was met with enthusiasm. At this point in time those households who have forged ahead with solar are leaders. The payback for a solar system at this point in time can be 15 to 20 years. Financial incentives, whether large or small, would definitely encourage others to take leadership roles in producing their own power from the sun, using geothermal, even just increasing household energy efficiency and full support was expressed for using geothermal and solar in affordable and subsidized housing units in the region.

Bottom line is the DRBs will be seeing more and more applications for renewable energy systems as the price of fossil fuels rise. Tri-State, who produces nearly all of the power we use in this region, has predicted hefty rate hikes over the next decade. Those households with a little bit of solar will happily take their savings to the bank, and HARC (on a case by case basis) won’t be standing in their way.