Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated, unless the context or subject matter requires
others. The definitions set forth in § 179-2 of this Code
shall also apply where appropriate.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Structures, equipment, devices or construction techniques
used for the production of heat, light, cooling, electricity or other
forms of energy on-site and which may be attached to or be separate
from the principal structure.
COLLECTIVE SOLAR
Solar installations owned collectively through subdivision
homeowner associations, condominium associations, adopt-a-solar-panel
programs, or other similar collective arrangements.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL
A photovoltaic panel or tile that is installed flush to the
surface of a roof and which cannot be angled or raised.
FREESTANDING OR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is directly installed in the ground
and is not attached or affixed to an existing structure. Pole-mounted,
shed-mounted or freestanding, canopy-mounted solar energy systems
shall be considered freestanding or ground-mounted solar energy systems
for purposes of this section.
GLARE
The effect by reflections of light with intensity sufficient
as determined in a commercially reasonable manner to cause annoyance,
discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility in any material
respects.
NET METERING
A billing arrangement that allows solar customers to get
credit for excess electricity that they generate and deliver back
to the public utility grid so that they only pay for their net electricity
usage at the end of the month or year.
PERMIT-GRANTING AUTHORITY
The Town's Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator are
together charged with granting permits for the installation and operation
of solar energy systems.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use
of semiconductor devices, called photovoltaic cells, that generate
electricity whenever light strikes them.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER
A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction
and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and
has received safety training on the hazards involved. Only persons
who are on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers maintained
by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
or who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board
of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), shall be deemed to be
qualified solar installers for the purposes of this definition.
ROOFTOP OR BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system in which solar panels are mounted on
top of the structure of a roof either as a flush-mounted system or
as modules fixed to frames which can be tilted toward the south at
an optimal angle.
SETBACK
The required minimum distance from the property line to the
nearest part of the structure measured at right angles to the property
line within which a freestanding or ground-mounted solar energy system
is installed.
SOLAR ACCESS
Space open to the sun and clear of overhangs or shade, including
the orientation of streets and lots to the sun so as to permit the
use of active and/or passive solar energy systems on individual properties.
SOLAR COLLECTOR
A solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array, or solar hot air
or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an
energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored
heat.
SOLAR EASEMENT
An easement recorded pursuant to New York Real Property Law
§ 335-b, the purpose of which is to secure the right to
receive sunlight across real property of another for continued access
to sunlight necessary to operate a solar collector.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Solar collectors, controls, energy-storage devices, heat
pumps, heat exchangers, and other materials, hardware or equipment
necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted
into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation
and distributed. Solar energy systems include solar thermal, photovoltaic,
and any future solar technology. For the purposes of this section,
a solar energy system does not include any solar energy system of
four square feet in size or less.
SOLAR FARM
A solar energy system with a minimum rating of 1 MW consisting
of an energy generation facility or area of land principally used
to convert solar energy to electricity, whether by photovoltaics,
concentrating solar thermal devices or various experimental solar
technologies, with the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales
of electricity.
SOLAR PANEL
A device for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity.
SOLAR STORAGE BATTERY
A device that stores energy from the sun and makes it available
in an electrical form.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Solar energy systems that directly heat water or other liquid
using sunlight. The heated liquid is used for such purposes as space
heating and cooling, domestic hot water and heating pool water.