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Some NJ Municipalities Want To Limit Solar Panels

HACKENSACK, NJ (CBSNewYork) - Solar panels are still too expensive for most homeowners, but as prices drop many towns expect to see a flood residents looking line their rooftops to capture the sun's energy.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

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Several municipalities are considering regulations.

Hackensack is the latest.

City manager Stephen Lo Iacono says one of the main concerns is aesthetics. Nobody wants to live next door to something that resembles a NASA science experiment.

Another concern is safety.

"We want to be sure that if someone does potentially does install their installation on a residential property, lets say on a roof, that it could withstand the elements, that the home can structurally support the solar installation, that the panel is not going to blow off in the middle of a windstorm or a hurricane," he told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams on Monday.

Nothing is set in stone, but rules might prohibit reflective panels in front yards and require shields for those in side yards.

Towns started taking note after residents complained about PSE&G's solar panels on utility poles. Some find them unsightly. Towns are looking to strike a balance between green energy and good taste.

What do you think about regulating solar panels? Sound off in the comments section below!

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