Solar energy system proposed in small town

An international renewable energy company has applied to install a large-scale solar energy system in a small western Massachusetts town, and not everyone is happy.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that CVE North America Inc. wants to install 17,280 solar modules across two 10-acre parcels in Westhampton that would produce nearly five megawatts of power.

Eversource has entered into an agreement with CVE for the power, according to the special permit application.

The application was submitted to the town in June and a public hearing with the Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday night. The project also needs approval from the state.

Westhampton has about 1,600 residents.

Conservation Commissioner Elvira Loncto called it “a huge project in a small town,” and added “There are those for it and those against.”