Town Looks To Push Back Against Large Solar Projects On Farmland

ELLINGTON, CT — Town officials say the issue coming before the Board of Selectmen Monday night is about protecting farmland, not reacting to one specific solar project.

The discussion centers on large grid-scale solar facilities proposed on agricultural land in Ellington. According to First Selectman Laurie Burstein, multiple large solar companies are exploring sites in town, but no formal applications have been filed yet.

“This is about protecting our farmland,” Burstein said in response to resident questions online. She added that the town’s concerns are broader than any single location and apply to how large commercial solar projects could impact Ellington’s rural character and agricultural economy.

At Monday’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen is scheduled to discuss a policy resolution opposing new commercial solar facilities larger than one megawatt. Town officials have emphasized that the measure would not block projects outright and would not change state approval authority, but would clearly state Ellington’s opposition to converting farmland for large-scale solar use.

Instead, the policy is intended to put on record that the town favors farmland preservation and prefers renewable energy projects that do not permanently remove agricultural land from production.

Residents will be able to comment during the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Ellington Town Hall and will also be available via Zoom.