Controversial Decision Limits Solar Panels on Historic Homes in D.C.

In a controversial decision earlier this month, the Washington, D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board decided against allowing front-facing solar panels on the sloped roofs of rowhomes.

David Alpert reports on the debate that took place during the hearing, noting the board's attempt at reconciling historic preservation and the climate crisis. Washington, D.C. has a new clean energy law, "[requiring] the District to reach 100% renewable energy by 2032 including 10% from locally-generated solar power." That wasn't enough to sway the board's decision in favor of allowing solar power on sloped roofs.

It's fairly clear how Alpert feels about the decision, and the talking points of the residents and board members who opposed the proposal (there is no shortage of rhetorical gymnastics in the soundbites included in the article). There's a call to action include toward the end of the article: "Barring action from the DC Council or stronger intervention by the Bowser administration, residents may have to make their voices heard when the preservation offices releases new guidelines [sic] in the coming weeks. Calcott said they anticipate a hearing before HPRB in December."