Tree vs. solar panel positions presented

Environmental Commission looks to prepare guidelines to avoid future controversies.

By: Courtney Gross
   Recalling a Walnut Lane pin oak that towered 75 feet — an infamous tree that pitted neighbor against neighbor this summer — the Princeton Environmental Commission heard presentations Wednesday night from a Princeton University professor and a representative from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities regarding the benefits of trees and solar panels.
   When Christ Congregation Church applied to remove the pin oak this summer, it was to install solar panels on its roof. But many neighboring residents criticized the move, despite the church’s attempt to conserve energy.
   After the tree-removal application was twice denied, the church went before the Princeton Borough Council to hash out a compromise — one that ended with the replanting of several trees, a $750 contribution to the borough for the replanting of trees elsewhere and the removal of the pin oak.
   Because of the debate surrounding the pin oak, the Environmental Commission is attempting to outline guidelines for dealing with similar situations in the future.
   "This forum is not meant to be either/or," commission Chairman David Breithaupt said. "It is not a tree-versus-a-solar-panel situation."
   But the root of the problem, both guest speakers recognized Wednesday evening, will continue to be local — and situations should be examined on a case-by-case basis.
   Professor Henry S. Horn of Princeton’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology said fully mature trees not only produce oxygen, but harbor carbon dioxide. Trees also act as a sponge, the professor added, decreasing the amount of flooding and stormwater runoff Princeton could have.
   Locally, Mr. Horn said, solar panels should be sited where they would not compete with trees. And, above all, the most important energy-efficiency mechanism is proper insulation.
   Michael Winka, director of the Office of Clean Energy at the Board of Public Utilities, emphasized most solar panel issues are case-specific.
   "Government always has to be open to exceptions," Mr. Winka noted, "and not be black and white."
   Although the board has a rebate program to provide incentives for New Jersey residents and businesses to use solar energy, Mr. Winka said particular sites must also meet performance standards. Sometimes, he added, that means removing or trimming a tree that is shading a solar panel.
   As for the future, the commission will continue its conversation on solar panels and trees at its meeting next month, possibly drafting guidelines for the removal of trees to install solar energy.