Norwalk, CT’s First Cannabis Dispensary Faces Solar Panel Dilemma: Tree Shade And Low ROI Hinder Compliance
Fine Fettle, Norwalk’s first cannabis dispensary, is facing a solar energy conundrum. The company is asking the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to waive a solar panel installation requirement at its 191 Main St. site, citing feasibility issues that could impact its bottom line. As reported by CT Insider, the dispensary, which opened in March 2024, was initially granted a special permit in 2023, contingent on installing rooftop and covered parking solar panels or providing a feasibility report explaining why it couldn’t comply.
Ahead of the Commission’s September 5 meeting, Fine Fettle chief operating officer Ben Zachs submitted calculations highlighting the challenges. According to Zachs, rooftop solar panels are not financially viable for the site, as shading from a nearby tree significantly limits potential energy output. “This is not a philosophical issue, it’s a feasibility issue of having a small roof with a tree blocking it and not wanting to spend money on something that’s going to take longer than …