The Rochester Board of Selectmen is exploring a way for the town to benefit from solar farms.

Solar has been a contentious issue in Rochester, as the town has seen multiple large-scale projects go in over the past couple years. Currently, there is a project in front of the Planning Board for a 13-acre, 9,000-panel solar farm on Rounseville Road. This project has drawn particular ire from residents due to it’s highly visible nature.

However, Selectman Woody Hartley thinks solar could be a good way for the town to generate income. After doing research, he pinpointed the landfill in town as an area for a solar farm. His thought is that the town could rent the property out to a solar company and receive monthly rental payments without disrupting residents’ views.

“You can’t even see the top of that property,” Hartley said.

Hartley has met with Planning Board Chair Arnie John, Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Richard Cutler and Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon about the possibility, and wants to put together a committee to make it happen.

“I think it’s time to put together a working group to get a [request for proposal] out and see if a company is interested in renting that property,” he said.

Selectman Naida Parker was in favor of the idea, and thought that Cutler could provide valuable experience to the working group.

Hartley agreed, and suggested the group consist of himself, Cutler, Farinon, a Planning Board member and a private citizen from town.