[Adopted 8-11-2014 by Res. No. 272-2014]
Albany County has gone "Green" and County departments, projects and buildings are being reviewed in a quest for more energy efficiency. Solar panels are among the technologies being considered for County buildings. Solar energy is a useful and valuable source of power, but the panels used to create solar energy are obstacles to local firefighters when they are called to respond to fire alarms. Solar panels cannot be shut off and generate electricity constantly when any type of light is present, whether daylight or electronic lamp light, thereby making electrocution one of the hazards firefighters face when responding to structures with solar panels. Solar panels minimize the area on a roof upon which firefighters can walk and prevent firefighters from making ventilation holes in roofs.
Prior to the installation of solar panels on County structures, County officials must consult with the local fire department in whose jurisdiction the structure is located to ensure all solar panel installations are designed with firefighting and firefighter safety in mind.
Prior to the building plans being finalized, the local fire department be provided the manufacturer's information on the solar panels to be installed, and plans depicting the contemplated layout of the panels and where the electrical disconnects will be located so the department may comment upon same.
The local fire department shall be provided copies of all "as built" structural and electrical plans for each building where solar panels are placed.
A placard deemed acceptable by the local fire department shall be placed upon the County building identifying that it is equipped with a solar energy installation and whether the type of system is a solar thermal system or a photovoltaic system.