Residents returned mixed results on a pair of solar power measures at Town Meeting on Tuesday night, narrowly defeating one, and enacting the other by a wide margin.

The first bylaw sought to regulate placement of ground-mounted, and roof-mounted solar panels in town. Supporters of the bylaw fell short by just four votes.

If a simple majority was needed the bylaw would have passed easily.  However, Town Meeting warrant articles that alter zoning laws require a two-thirds majority to pass.

The vote brought 79 votes for the bylaw and 48 against. To meet the two-thirds majority requirement 83 votes were needed.

The solar bylaw also had the Board of Selectmen’s support. Until Tuesday night, selectmen had not broadcast an opinion, either for or against, the bylaw.

Marion Energy Management Committee member Jennifer Francis said the bylaw had protections in place for residents. The solar panels would have been subject to screening requirements, electricity production limits, lot size restrictions, and a minor site plan review.

Specifically, ground-mounted panels  of 600 square feet or less can not  exceed a height of 10 feet high. The panels must be screened to limit visibility.

Panels larger than 600 square feet would have had additional restrictions. Francis said developers of large panels would have been required to set money aside, in the event they had to be removed.

The restrictions weren’t enough for the Planning Board.

Planning Board Chair Jay Ryder said prior to Town Meeting the board unanimously voted against the bylaw, because only project’s not covered by the bylaw would require a special permit.

“We feel strongly that any sized ground-mounted solar array require issuance of a special permit,” Ryder said.

A board drafted comprehensive solar bylaw would be ready for a vote at fall Town Meeting, Ryder said. He noted the board “wholeheartedly” endorsed solar energy coming to Marion.

The other article created a solar overlay district and passed handily in a 83-31 vote.

The district covers 50 acres surrounding the town’s former landfill.

Last year, Town Meeting voters gave selectmen the authority to lease the landfill for the purpose of building a solar garden.

In Massachusetts, 40 towns have  permits from the Department of Environmental Protection for solar arrays atop landfills.

Francis said the Marion garden is modeled after one in Brewster, MA.

“It provides virtual solar power for residents who cannot, or choose not, to build their own system,” Francis said. Those interested pay a subscription fee, then are able to purchase electricity at a reduced rate from the power company.

Ryder said the Planning Board was also unanimously opposed to the solar garden concept because of a “by-right” provision, that allows developers to skip the normal permitting process.

Francis said the process developed for the bylaw was already very rigourous