Five solar arrays have been built in Westerlo since 2017, when the town enacted its first solar ordinance. The most infamous of these constructions are the twin arrays on the Shepard Farm property, owned by Rensselaerville Town Supervisor John Dolce, which have elicited complaints from residents who feel the 90-acre spread of panels is an eyesore, or worse.

Westerlo adopted its moratorium on wind and solar energy facilities last August in response to this rapid development, with the board at the time concerned about the lack of a comprehensive plan.