There is an invasion taking place in western Massachusetts. No, the British aren’t coming to reclaim their colonies; the invader is a giant Boston-based solar company known as BlueWave Solar. This multimillion dollar company is taking advantage of favorable Massachusetts clean energy laws in order to take over farmland and install huge solar arrays. The company claims that the land can still be farmed under the solar panels.
This company has either started projects or is seeking approval in Palmer, Granville, Blandford, Northfield, Plainfield, and Worthington. Now they have applied for a 20-acre project in Conway to be placed on the Boyden Farm, across from the Conway Grammar School.

As an abutter to this project, my wife and I stand to take a significant hit on our property value. So naturally I have concerns. Instead of looking out our living room window at a beautiful rolling hay field, we will see 10-feet high solar panels, surrounded by a fence. The company is attempting to appease our concerns by agreeing to plant trees to hide the monstrosity.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for solar. Put solar panels on buildings, or over parking lots all you want. But creating these solar arrays on beautiful farmland feels very different. Many of us live in western Massachusetts because of the views, open fields and overall beauty. With this project, when driving east down Rte.116, and looking up at the historic Boyden Farm, you’ll see row after row of solar panels instead of a beautiful rolling hill. Rt. 116 has been designated a “Scenic Byway,” partly because of these gorgeous farm views.

The state has made it nearly impossible for local towns to block these solar projects. Despite the ugly views, potential dangers of large battery storage, and negative impact on neighbors, the town’s hands are tied. It’s an uphill battle, but I encourage Conway residents to attend the public hearing on May 5 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, where the Planning Board will consider BlueWave’s proposal.

George Washington and his Continental Army beat the odds to defeat the British in the American Revolution. Why can’t the citizens of Conway do the same and stop this invasion of western Mass. by a money-hungry solar company?

Tim Luce

Conway