This article applies to ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations
proposed to be constructed after the effective date of this article.
This article also pertains to physical modifications that materially
alter the type, configuration, or size of these installations or related
equipment.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this bylaw shall
not invalidate any other section or provision thereof.
PHOTOVOLTAIC BUFFER STRIP
A strip of land between the solar photovoltaic arrays, and
any structures accessory thereto, and the boundary of the parcel,
reserved for plant material, berms, walls, or fencing to serve as
a visual barrier. This visual barrier is only to block views from
the ground level.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT MATERIAL
Trees or shrubs of a type and height that sufficiently screen
the arrays without blocking necessary sun that would hinder the product
performance, including ground cover that would screen the lower portion
of the arrays.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLATION
Solar photovoltaic arrays placed on the roof of residences/carport,
or commercial, industrial or institutional buildings and Town-owned
municipal buildings.
The following requirements are common to all ground-mounted
solar photovoltaic installations to be sited in designated locations.
The construction and operation of all ground-mounted solar photovoltaic
installations shall be consistent with all applicable local, state
and federal requirements, including but not limited to all applicable
safety, construction, electrical, and communications requirements.
All buildings and fixtures forming part of a ground-mounted solar
photovoltaic installation shall be constructed in accordance with
the State Building Code.
All plans and maps shall be prepared, stamped and signed by
a professional engineer licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
A. Pursuant to the site plan review process, the project proponent shall
provide the following documents:
(1)
A site plan showing:
(a)
Property lines and physical features, including roads, for the
project site;
(b)
Proposed changes to the landscape of the site, grading, vegetation
clearing and planting, exterior lighting, and screening vegetation
or structures;
(c)
Blueprints or drawings of the solar photovoltaic installation
signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts showing the proposed layout of the system and any
potential shading from nearby structures or vegetation;
(d)
One- or three-line electrical diagram detailing the solar photovoltaic
installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection
methods, with all National Electrical Code compliant disconnects and
overcurrent devices;
(e)
Documentation of the major system components to be used, including
the PV panels, mounting system, and inverter;
(f)
Name, address, and contact information for proposed system installer;
(g)
Name, address, phone number and signature of the project proponent,
as well as all co-proponents or property owners, if any;
(h)
The name, contact information and signature of any agents representing
the project proponent; and
(2)
Sun and shadow diagrams specific to the proposed installation
to determine the solar access;
(3)
Documentation of actual or prospective access and control of the project site (see also §
300-147.2);
(4)
An operation and maintenance plan (see also §
300-147.3);
(6)
Zoning district designation for the parcel(s) of land comprising
the project site [submission of a copy of a zoning map with the parcel(s)
identified is suitable for this purpose];
(7)
Proof of liability insurance; and
(9)
And all other documents required in Chapter
465, Article
III, Site Plan Review Requirements.
B. The Planning Board may waive documentary requirements as it deems
appropriate.
The project proponent shall submit documentation of actual or
prospective access and control of the project site sufficient to allow
for construction and operation of the proposed any ground-mounted
solar photovoltaic installation.
The project proponent shall submit a plan for the operation
and maintenance of the large-scale and medium-scale ground-mounted
solar photovoltaic installation, which shall include measures for
maintaining safe access to the installation, storm water controls,
as well as general procedures for operation and maintenance of the
installation.
No large-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installation
shall be constructed until evidence has been given to the Planning
Board that the utility company that operates the electrical grid where
the installation is to be located has been informed of the solar photovoltaic
installation owner or operator's intent to install an interconnected
customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this
requirement.