Overcoming Challenges to Develop Solar Field for Westtown School

Westtown School’s solar project brought an 8-acre, 2 MW solar field to its 600-acre campus, advancing the school’s environmental initiatives and providing supplemental electricity.

BioStar Renewables, a Kansas City-based solar developer, partnered with Westtown School in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to help achieve its sustainability goals and bring the solar project from concept to reality. The project involved navigating newly introduced township regulations, addressing stakeholder concerns, and overcoming technical challenges to secure approvals and start construction. Bohler’s local expertise played a key role in guiding the process.

Navigating New Regulations

As the first project subject to the Westtown Township’s updated ordinance on solar field development, the approval process required significant clarification from the township solicitor and engineer. Bohler collaborated with officials to resolve procedural uncertainties and ensure ordinance compliance.

Working closely with BioStar Renewables and Westtown School, the team successfully addressed the unique challenges, including meeting specific conditional use and grading permit requirements. Strong partnerships and open communication were key to securing the necessary approvals.

As the first project to navigate the township’s updated solar field ordinance, we faced unique challenges. By working together and maintaining open lines of communication, we were able to address uncertainties and successfully meet all permit requirements.

— Chris Puzinas, Project Manager, Bohler

Tackling Stormwater Management Design

The township imposed stormwater management requirements that differed from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) classifications, which did not consider the project a disturbance. To meet local regulations and streamline approvals, Bohler designed a series of small infiltration basins that satisfied the township’s standards.

Additionally, the team adjusted the solar field layout to avoid an existing well, ensuring the project’s smooth progression. Bohler’s local expertise and strategic design solutions were critical to the project’s success.

Addressing Neighbor Concerns

A neighboring property owner raised objections about the visibility of the solar panels, which could have led to opposition during public hearings. To address these concerns, Bohler’s planning and landscape architecture team developed detailed 3D models to demonstrate the panel placement and proposed screening plan.

 

Through site visits and virtual meetings, Bohler’s engineers and landscape architects collaborated with the neighbor to create an acceptable solution. The final design included a mix of evergreen, deciduous, and ornamental trees for effective screening. This proactive, collaborative approach minimized opposition and facilitated a smoother approval process.

 

The solar field project also raised concerns about glare, which Bohler addressed by conducting visual studies and implementing engineering solutions that assured township officials of minimal impact.

Driving Client Success and Long-Term Impact

Bohler’s solutions-focused approach enabled the approval of the first large-scale solar field under the township’s updated ordinance. With Bohler’s guidance, BioStar Renewables successfully navigated regulatory challenges, marking a significant milestone for their portfolio. This solar field demonstrates how renewable energy projects can balance environmental goals with regulatory compliance and community expectations in suburban areas.

Bohler’s expertise in managing complex Chester County and Westtown Township regulations, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and delivering innovative design solutions was instrumental in the project’s success.

2 MW
8 acres

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