Council OK’s French Quarter Solar Panels

The New Orleans City Council has voted to let a French Quarter resident install solar panels on the roof of his 19th century home.  Glade Bilby had sought approval to install the panels on one side of the roof of his townhouse in the heart of the historic neighborhood. However, the Vieux Carre Commission — which is charged with protecting and preserving the architectural integrity of the Quarter — denied Bilby's application last October.  Bilby appealed the decision to the council, which overturned the commission's decision Thursday in a 6-1 vote.