Developers of a solar farm in Rochester’s center promise it will be hidden from abutters starting on the day it's completed. However, the Planning Board has refused to don rose-colored sunglasses when looking at the project and continues to question its specifications extensively.

On Tuesday night, a range of questions, suggestions and modifications were directed at Amelia Tracy and Stephen O’Connell who represent Renewable Generation and Andrews Survey & Engineering Inc., respectively.

Renewable Generation representatives unveiled plans for the 1.5-megawatt solar farm in the heart of town last year. The project has drawn the ire of abutters and residents who say it will mar the rural landscape.

Proposed for 620 New Bedford Road, the project would be adjacent to a historic cemetery and could potentially be seen from Plumb Memorial Library, Town Hall, the Plumb Corner Mall and nearby homes.

The Planning Board is reviewing all aspects of the project before members vote on whether or not to grant a special permit allowing its construction.

During Tuesday’s public hearing held in the Senior Center, O’Connell and Tracy returned with a revamped storm water management plan and adjustments to screening measures.

Some of the conditions the Planning Board laid down in this round included adjusting figures for landscape and decommissioning bonds.

Chair Arnie Johnson said the landscape bond should include the cost of the plants plus installation fees. Additionally, 50 percent of that figure should be added to the total for unexpected costs.

Renewable Energy’s decommissioning estimate also came under scrutiny.

Johnson noted that a smaller solar project recently approved in town estimated a higher figure.

“This facility, based on kilowatts, is thirty-three percent larger than the one on Tucker Lane,” Johnson said. “I think $89,000 is a lot more realistic than $60,000, especially when one smaller than yours is estimating $67,500.”

Language allowing the board to require the planting of more trees for screening purposes should also be added to the agreement, Johnson said.

“That would give us the ability to go in there and add additional screening if we have to,” Johnson said.

Residents asked if the solar array would be visible with the new screening measures.

O’Connell said it wouldn’t.

Town counsel Blair Bailey agreed.

“Their goal is to not have any aspect of [the project] visible from a public way,” Bailey said.

O’Connell and Tracy took note of the board’s new requirements. They will return before the board with changes at a continued public hearing set for Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center.