As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ARRAY
Any number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules
providing a single electrical output.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system that is constructed as an integral
part of a principal or accessory building or structure and where the
building-integrated system features maintain a uniform profile or
surface of vertical walls, window openings, and roofing. Such a system
is used in lieu of a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting
for an architectural or structural component of the building or structure
that appends or interrupts the uniform surfaces of walls, window openings
and roofing. A building-integrated system may occur within vertical
facades, replacing view glass, spandrel glass or other facade material;
into semitransparent skylight systems; into roofing systems, replacing
traditional roofing materials; or other building or structure envelope
systems.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system attached to any part or type
of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit on
file with the Township and that is either the principal structure
or an accessory structure on a recorded property. This system also
includes any solar-based architectural elements.
CELL
The smallest basic solar electric device which generates
electricity when exposed to light.
DRIP LINE
The outermost edge of a roof including eaves, overhangs and
gutters.
GROUND-MOUNTED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole
or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic
system and not attached to any other structure.
HVAC
Equipment used to heat, cool or ventilate a structure.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface area that prevents or retards the infiltration
of water into the soil and/or a hard surface area that causes water
to run off the surface of the ground in greater quantities or at an
increased rate of flow from the conditions prior to development, construction,
building or installation.
INTERCONNECTION
The technical and practical link between the solar generator
and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
KILOWATT (kW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts, which constitutes
the basic unit of electrical demand. A watt is a metric measurement
of power (not energy) and is the rate (not the duration) at which
electricity is used. 1,000 kW is equal to 1 megawatt (MW).
MODULE
The smallest protected assembly of interconnected PV cells.
NET METERING AGREEMENT
An agreement with a local electric utility that allows customers
to receive a credit for surplus electricity generated by certain renewable
energy systems.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
A semiconductor based device that converts light directly
into electricity.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) RELATED EQUIPMENT
Items including a solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array,
lines, mounting brackets, framing and foundations used for or intended
to be used for collection of solar energy.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar collection system consisting of one or more building-
and/or ground-mounted systems, solar photovoltaic cells, panels or
arrays and solar related equipment that rely upon solar radiation
as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage and distribution
of solar energy for electricity generation. A solar PV system is a
generation system with a nameplate capacity of not greater than 50
kilowatts if installed at a residential service or not larger than
3,000 kilowatts at other customer service locations and do not produce
excess on-site energy greater than currently permitted by Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission guidelines.
SOLAR-BASED ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT
Structural/architectural element that provides protection
from weather that includes awnings, canopies, porches or sunshades
and that is constructed with the primary covering consisting of solar
PV modules, and may or may not include additional solar PV related
equipment.
TRACKING SYSTEM
A number of photovoltaic modules mounted such that they track
the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production,
either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.
It is the purpose of this article to promote the safe, effective
and efficient use of installed solar energy systems that reduce on-site
consumption of utility-supplied energy while protecting the health,
safety and welfare of adjacent and surrounding land uses and properties.
This article seeks to:
A. Provide property owners and business owners/operators with flexibility
in satisfying their on-site energy needs.
B. Reduce overall energy demands within the Township and to promote
energy efficiency.
C. Integrate alternative energy systems seamlessly into the Township's
neighborhoods and landscapes without diminishing quality of life in
the neighborhoods.
All types of solar photovoltaic systems are permitted in all zoning districts as an accessory use to any lawfully permitted principal use on the same property upon issuance of the proper permit pursuant to Article
XXII, §
310-143, and upon compliance with all requirements of this section and as elsewhere specified in this article.
Ground-mounted systems. Ground-mounted systems are subject to
the accessory use or structure setback requirements in the zoning
district in which the system is to be constructed. The required setbacks
are measured from the property line to the nearest part of the system.
No part of the ground-mounted system shall extend into the required
setbacks due to a tracking system or other adjustment of solar PV
related equipment or parts.
Building-mounted systems on a sloped roof shall not be required
to be screened. Building-mounted systems mounted on a flat roof shall
not be readily visible from the public right-of-way.
The surface area of any ground-mounted system, regardless of
the mounted angle of any portion of the system, is considered impervious
surface and shall be calculated as part of the property lot coverage
limitations for the zoning district. If the ground-mounted system
is mounted above existing impervious surface, it shall not be calculated
as part of the property lot coverage limitations for the zoning district.
No signage or graphic content may be displayed on the solar
PV system except the manufacturer's badge, safety information
and equipment specification information. Said information shall be
depicted within an area no more than 36 square inches in size.
All solar PV systems are subject to compliance with applicable
performance standards detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
Before any construction or installation on any solar PV system
shall commence, a permit issued by the Township of Hampton shall be
obtained to document compliance with this article. The Council may
establish a fee for said permit by resolution.