Should PSE&G Have Authority To Place Solar Panels Throughout Wyckoff?

If you happen to be among a growing number of residents wondering what those strange looking 3-by-5 foot panels are popping up on utility poles at intersections like Ravine Court and Goffle Road then you're not alone.

The solar panels, which PSE&G began installing in Wyckoff, Midland Park and Waldwick, drew attention to the degree that officials from Wyckoff, Glen Rock and Ridgewood met with PSE&G officials late last month asking for a moratorium on the panels going up around town, at least until it was clear PSE&G had the actual authority to place the panels when and where they chose without direction from the respective municipalities.

Among those that met with PSE&G last month was Wyckoff Township Administrator Robert Shannon, who left the meeting believing the towns had an agreement with the utility to halt any further panels from going up. But at the March 1st township committee meeting at least one resident alerted the township yet another panel had gone up, bringing the total to four. This prompted Shannon to reach back out to PSE&G.

"They contacted the four towns involved. They say they want to meet with us separately and we're meeting with them Wednesday," Shannon said. "We want to address the issues with them. We're expecting them to provide the authority they say they have to use the right of way for electric generation. It sounds like they are going to move forward with the project and we'll look forward to expressing our objections."

Mayor Kevin Rooney has said while he supports the generation of solar energy, he and other members of the township committee are concerned not only with the issue of whether the utility has the authority to place the panels, but also about safety and aesthetics.

How do you feel about the prospect of PSE&G placing solar panels throughout Wyckoff? We want to know.