The New Rochelle Planning Board on Sept. 30 approved a site-plan application from Repower LLC to install a rooftop photovoltaic system at Westchester Torah Academy, 150 Stratton Road.

The approved proposal calls for 65 solar panels totaling 35.1 kilowatts DC mounted on a 10-degree, Aero Compact Flat S-10 self-ballasting racking system on the gym roof. Jason Ross, the project presenter from Repower LLC, told the board, "It's a, relatively small, PV system that is, scheduled to go on top of the gym." Ross said the array will sit behind an existing parapet and estimated a two-week installation period, with work limited to normal business hours and coordinated with school administration to avoid disrupting classes.

Board members questioned visibility from nearby residential lots and the location of electrical equipment. One member noted the parapet measurement and the top-of-panel height, and asked whether adjacent residential parcels might be able to see the array. Ross said the inverters and other electrical equipment will be located inside the building's first-floor electrical room, not on the roof.

The board attached standard construction and safety conditions to the approval. Benito Seja, Senior Project Manager, read the conditions, which include repair of any city right-of-way damage to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works, obtaining any DPW permits for temporary right-of-way obstructions, installation of code-compliant NFPA 70 signage (including an exterior rapid disconnect verified by the New Rochelle Fire Department), and provision of fall protection as required by the applicable building code reference.

The motion for site-plan approval passed at the meeting.