Andover residents challenge ‘eyesore’ solar expansion

BETHEL CITIZEN • September 29, 2025

An effort by Andover residents seeking a rewrite of the solar moratorium ordinance has gained momentum in recent weeks. Select Board member Justin Thacker, who attended two recent meetings, said residents at the Sept. 16 meeting complained that the solar farms are an “eyesore” and clash with the natural beauty of Andover and its surrounding mountains. He said there are two solar farms in operation, with two more “in the pipeline.” At the annual town meeting in June, voters approved a 180-day moratorium on utility-scale solar projects. Following the initial 180-day moratorium, the board has the authority to extend it for another 180 days, which would carry it through to the next annual town meeting in June 2026.