BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

CANTON — The Canton village board is considering a moratorium on solar energy system development in the village until Aug. 31.

The moratorium, much like one implemented by the town, would halt the installation and use of battery energy storage systems used in commercial solar development until village code can be reviewed, reworked and rules put in place for installation of the equipment.

“The moratorium is designed to make sure we have everything in order for a potential future,” said Village Mayor Mike Dalton at the Feb. 17 village board meeting.

Both municipalities are undergoing a review and revision of their zoning codes under the auspices of their recently implemented comprehensive plan.

The village board  discussed the moratorium at their Feb. 17 meeting following a public hearing on the matter, but tabled action until their next meeting.

The town of Canton is currently reviewing several proposals for commercial solar development and last year approved a solar energy law, which they then amended recently to better address the energy storage issue.

The moratorium discussed by the village at their meeting Feb. 17 will prohibit construction or establishment of any solar energy system and the use of any battery energy storage system with the village.

Neither the village planning board or zoning board of appeals “will process, review, render any determination or grant any approval or variance of any kind with respect to any solar energy system or battery energy storage system” within the village during the moratorium, the resolution said.