The use of solar energy systems including solar collectors,
storage facilities, and distribution components for space heating
and cooling, the heating of water, use in industrial, commercial or
agricultural processes, and the generation of electricity are recognized
as a renewable and nonpolluting energy resource. The purpose of this
section is to accommodate solar energy systems as accessory uses while
ensuring that such systems are appropriately located and installed.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY USE
A solar energy system which generates energy solely for on-site
use to benefit the principal use of the land.
COLLECTIVE SOLAR
Solar installations owned collectively through a subdivision
homeowner associations or other similar arrangements.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR PANELS
Photovoltaic panels and tiles that are installed flush to
the surface of a roof which cannot be angled or raised.
NET METERING
A billing arrangement that allows solar customers to obtain
credit for excess electricity that they generate and deliver back
to the grid so that they only pay for their net electricity usage
at the end of the month.
PRINCIPAL USE
A solar energy system where most or all of the energy produced
is consumed off site.
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. 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-MOUNTED or BUILDING-MOUNTED
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
modules fixed to frames which can be tilted toward the south at an
optimal angle.
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 ENERGY SYSTEMS/EQUIPMENT
Solar collectors, controls, energy storage devices, heat
lamps, heat exchangers, inverters and other electrical equipment and
other materials, hardware or equipment necessary to the process by
which solar radiation is collected, converted into another form of
energy, and/or stored.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Solar thermal systems 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.
Solar energy systems and equipment shall be permitted only if
they are determined by the Code Enforcement Officer not to present
any unreasonable safety risks, including, but not limited to, the
following:
C. Building or structure ingress and egress in the event of fire or
other emergency.
Where freestanding and ground-mounted solar energy systems are
to be installed, the following limitations and requirements shall
apply:
A. The location of the solar collector shall comply with all applicable
setback requirements for accessory structures in the zoning district
in which it is located.
B. Solar energy equipment shall be located in a manner to reasonably
minimize view blockage for surrounding properties and shading of property
to the north while still providing adequate solar access for collectors.
C. Freestanding and ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be screened
when possible and practicable through the use of architectural features,
earth berms, landscaping, or other screening which will harmonize
the character of the property and the surrounding area.
If a solar collector ceases to perform its originally intended
function for more than 12 consecutive months, the property owner shall
remove the collector, mount and associated equipment by no later than
90 days after the end of the twelve-month period.