§ 11.6. Solar Energy Systems

A.

Purpose

The purpose of these regulations is to encourage investment in Solar Energy Systems, while providing guidelines for the installation of those systems that are consistent with the character of the Town and are necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

B.

Definitions

1.

Accessory Solar Energy System . A Solar Energy System that supplies electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site use.

2.

Building-Integrated Solar Energy System. A Solar Energy System that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-Integrated Solar Energy Systems include but are not limited to Photovoltaic or hot water solar systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, or skylights.

3.

Photovoltaic (PV) . The technology that uses a semi-conductor material to convert light directly into electricity.

4.

Solar Collector Panel . Any part of a Solar Energy System that absorbs solar energy for use in the system's energy transformation process. The Solar Collector Panel does not include frames, supports or mounting hardware.

5.

Solar Energy System . A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electrical generation, or water heating.

C.

General Standards

1.

Solar Energy System shall provide power for the principal use and/or accessory use of the property on which the Solar Energy System is located and shall not be used for the generation of power for the sale of energy to other users, although this provision shall not prohibit the sale of excess power generated to the local utility company.

2.

Whenever practical, all Accessory Solar Energy Systems shall be attached to a building.

3.

A Solar Energy System shall not be used to display advertising, including signage, streamers, pennants, spinners, reflectors, ribbons, tinsel, balloons, flags, banners, or similar materials.

4.

The manufacturer and equipment information, warning, or indication of ownership shall be allowed on any equipment of the Solar Energy System.

5.

The owner of a Solar Energy System shall remove it if an inspection of the system reveals that it has become a public nuisance or hazard.

6.

Solar Collector Panels shall be placed and arranged such that reflected solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto adjacent buildings, properties or roadways.

7.

Roof-mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be set back a minimum of 1 foot from all roof edges (eaves, gutter-line, or ridge-line) of the roof surface.

8.

Appurtenant electric, piping, wiring or equipment for Solar Energy Systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side or rear yard exposure, but must be affixed to the building or structure in a neat and workman like manner with the intent of connection to the building system or to run underground.

9.

The horizontal area covered by the area of the Solar Collector Panels of a ground-mounted system at optimum design tilt shall be calculated as part of the overall lot coverage.

10.

All power transmission lines and/or piping from a ground-mounted Solar Energy System to any building or other structure shall be located underground unless otherwise required by the State Building Code.

11.

A ground-mounted Solar Energy System shall limit the impacts on the surrounding properties, maintain safe accessibility, and limit stormwater runoff.

D.

Design Standards in Residential Districts

1.

Roof-mounted Solar Energy Systems

a)

Roof-mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted on principal and accessory structures.

b)

All roof-mounted Solar Collector Panels will be subject to the following height limitations:

c)

The top surface of any Solar Collector Panel mounted on a south-facing sloped roof shall not exceed 12 inches above the adjacent finish roof surface.

d)

The top surface of any Solar Collector Panel mounted on a north-, east-, or west-facing sloped roof shall not exceed 24 inches above the adjacent finish roof surface.

e)

The top most point of any Solar Collector Panel mounted on a flat roof (1/2 inch or less per foot slope) shall not exceed 30 inches above the adjacent finish roof surface on flat roofs with or without parapets.

2.

Ground-mounted Solar Energy Systems

a)

The minimum setback distance from the side and rear property lines to a ground-mounted Solar Energy System shall be five feet when oriented at minimum design tilt. A ground-mounted Solar Energy System shall not be located within the front yard, defined as the area between the front façade of the dwelling extended to the side property lines and extending to the street line (corner lots have two (2) front facades).

b)

A ground- or pole-mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed 8 feet in height to the tallest point of the Solar Collector Panels at 42.39º. Greater height is permitted provided the Solar Energy System setback from each lot line exceeds otherwise applicable setback requirements by 10 feet plus one foot for each foot of excess height. In no case shall the height exceed ten feet. The Board of Adjustment may grant a special exception to exceed this height limitation subject to the provisions of Section 11.2.3.

E.

Design Standards in Non-Residential Districts

1.

Building-mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted in the following locations:

a)

On the roofs of principal and accessory structures, and/or

b)

On side and rear building facades, or on front or corner building facades, so long as the Solar Energy System is a Building-Integrated Solar Energy System.

c)

All Solar Energy System appurtenances such as, but not limited to, plumbing, water tanks, mounting structures, and support equipment shall be screened to the maximum extent possible without compromising the effectiveness of the Solar Collector Panels.

2.

Roof-mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted in accordance with the following criteria:

a)

A roof-mounted Solar Energy System on a flat roof (1/2 inch or less per foot slope), whether mounted on the principal building or accessory building, shall be considered to be a mechanical device and shall be restricted consistent with other building-mounted mechanical systems.

b)

All roof-mounted Solar Collector Panels on a sloped roof will be subject to the following height limitations:

3.

The top surface of any Solar Collector Panel mounted on a south-facing sloped roof shall not exceed 12 inches above the adjacent finish roof surface.

4.

The top surface of any Solar Collector Panel mounted on a north -, east-, or west-facing sloped roof shall not exceed 24 inches above the adjacent finish roof surface.

5.

Ground-mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted in accordance with the following criteria:

a)

The minimum setback distance from the side and rear property lines to a ground mounted Solar Energy System shall be five feet when oriented at minimum design tilt. A ground-mounted Solar Energy System shall not be located within the front yard, defined as the area between the front façade of the dwelling extended to the side property lines and extending to the street line (corner lots have two (2) front facades).

b)

A ground- or pole-mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed the maximum height of ten feet.