Falmouth Planning Board Approves A Solar Farm At Golf Course

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth Planning Board approved the building of a solar farm at a century-old golf course in Teaticket.

The board voted unanimously last week to amend the town's zoning bylaws, allowing Amp Energy, a renewable energy company, to turn the Cape Cod Country Club's 150-acre course into a solar farm. Board members including Chair

But before construction can begin, the proposed zoning change will go before town meeting. That vote could take place in either April or June, as the Select Board is considering separating town meeting into two. The one in April would focus on time-sensitive financial proposes, while the rest would be pushed to June.

Planning Board members have said changing the zoning bylaw allows Amp Energy more flexibility on where it can place solar panels. It also allows Amp Energy to cut down more trees and make the solar farm larger.

According to a report from the Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod Country Club Owner David Friel has been looking for another land use option for the golf course since 2019. Friel said he's looked for other opportunities because of less business over the last decade.

Since 2019, Cape Cod Country Club owner David Friel has been considering other land use options for the golf course, citing less business over the last decade as the reason. Amp Energy, a renewable energy company, plans to lease the property for a large-scale solar farm. If town meeting doesn't approve the zoning change, Friel will consider building a housing development instead, something many residents and town officials have opposed.

Chair Patricia Kerfoot and other members of the Planning Board have expressed they like Friel's current proposal because it brings another source of renewable energy to Falmouth.

"That is a policy of the town to increase solar as much as possible, that it will keep it open space, which is part of our local comprehensive plan," Kerfoot said.

If the solar farm is approved, Amp Energy is expected to donate a portion of the property to the town for conservation purposes.