On Dec. 9, Stonington's Zoning Board of Appeals heard a case to permit a variance for a ground-mounted solar array for residential use in an industrial zone.

A roof-mounted array is permissible in this zone. The applicant presented evidence that at least eight trees (some more than 100 years old) would have to be chopped down for a roof mount to work. The ground mount would cost the applicant $10,000 more than the roof mount.

The applicant's contractor presented data describing the proposed system. Another resident spoke in favor of the application. No one present spoke against the application. Nevertheless, the ZBA voted to deny the variance.

The applicant paying for the ground mount will have to wait many years for a return on investment. The local contractor is hurt; all of the employees who would have worked on the project are hurt; and the entire community that will fail to get the benefits of reduced pollution is hurt.