Solar energy is a renewable and nonpolluting energy resource
that can prevent fossil fuel emissions and reduce energy load. Energy
generated from solar energy systems can be used to offset energy demand
on the grid where excess solar power is generated. The use of solar
energy equipment for the purpose of providing renewable energy sources
is a priority and is a necessary component of the Town's sustainability
agenda. The standards that follow enable the accommodation of solar
energy systems and equipment in a safe manner with minimal impacts
on the quiet enjoyment of property.
In addition to the standards set forth in §
181-49.33 above, medium- and large-scale ground-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the following:
A. Utility connections. Reasonable efforts, as determined by the Planning
Board, shall be made to place all utility lines from the solar energy
system underground. Electrical transformers for utility interconnections
may be above ground if required by the utility provider.
B. Safety. The solar energy system site plan applicant shall provide
a copy of the site plan review application to the Fire Chief for review,
and the Fire Chief shall provide written comment on the fire safety
of the proposed system to the Planning Board.
C. Visual impact. Reasonable efforts, as determined by the Planning
Board, shall be made to minimize visual impacts by preserving natural
vegetation, screening of abutting properties, and protecting scenic
resources.
D. Glare. Solar panel placement shall be prioritized to minimize or
negate any solar glare onto nearby properties, public gathering places
or roadways without unduly impacting the functionality or efficiency
of the solar energy system.
E. Operations and maintenance plan. The site plan applicant shall provide
(and maintain upon site plan approval) an operations and maintenance
plan, which shall include measures for maintaining safe access to
the installation as well as other general procedures for operational
maintenance of the installation.
F. Signage. Signs on solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable
standards in this article, and one sign shall be required, at a minimum,
to identify the owner and provide a twenty-four-hour emergency contact
phone number.
G. Emergency services. The owner or operator of a solar energy system
shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic,
and site plan to the Fire Chief. Upon request, the owner or operator
shall cooperate with the Fire Department in developing an emergency
response plan. All means of shutting down the system shall be clearly
marked on the plan. The owner or operator shall identify a responsible
person to the Code Enforcement Officer and the Fire Chief for public
inquiries throughout the life of the installation.
H. Installation conditions. The owner or operator of a solar energy
system shall maintain the facility in good condition. Maintenance
shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs,
vegetation control and integrity of security measures. Site access
shall be maintained to a level acceptable to the Fire Chief. The owner
or operator shall be responsible for the cost of maintaining the access
road(s), unless the road(s) is accepted as a public way.
I. Performance guarantee. The solar energy system site plan applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the performance guarantee requirement of §
181-49.36.