Historic buildings vs. enviro-think

In today’s Wall Street Journal, an interesting article (reg. req’d.) on the collision between building preservation and enviro-think. Seems that people who move into regulated developments or historic districts aren’t often allowed to cover their homes in solar panels or install modern-looking windows. Mount Vernon re-designed with solar panels, anyone? Didn’t think so. I’d say this is a good thing – at least with respect to historic buildings. Presumably people who buy an antique home are a) aware if it comes with restrictions on altering the structure and b) chose the home because of its age. You know, does anyone accidentally buy a Victorian house when they’d be equally happy in a hulking modern monstrosity with brick front and vinyl siding? I do understand that some people are in a panic over global warming and want to “do their part,” however small, insignificant, and ineffectual, to retard a rise in global temperature. But mauling historic buildings with offensive modern schlock can’t be the best solution. Seems to me if someone is that worked up about it, he should go for one of those brick-and-vinyl numbers instead. Then, as far as I’m concerned, bring on the solar panels!