As used in this article, the following definitions shall apply:
ARRAY
An interconnected system of photovoltaic modules that function
as a single electricity-producing unit. The modules are assembled
as a discrete structure, with common support or mounting.
BIPV (BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC)
A term for the design and integration of photovoltaic (PV)
technology into the building envelope, typically replacing conventional
building materials. This integration may be in vertical facades, replacing
view glass or other facade material; into semitransparent skylight
systems; into roofing systems, replacing traditional roofing materials;
or other building envelope systems.
CELL
The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to
perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy.
ELECTRICAL GRID
An integrated system of electricity distribution, usually
covering a large area.
INVERTER
A device that converts direct current electricity to alternating
current, either for stand-alone systems or to supply power to an electricity
grid.
JUNCTION BOX
A "PV generator junction box" is an enclosure on the module
where PV strings are electrically connected and where protection devices
can be located, if necessary.
MAJOR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR
STRUCTURE
An energy-generating facility that shall be deemed to be
a principal use when any of the following conditions are met:
A.
When the ground-mounted facility exceeds a ratio of 1:5 of the
land area on which the facility is constructed to the area used for
another purpose (including farming).
B.
When the ground-mounted facility comprises an area of 10 acres
or greater.
C.
When the ground-mounted facility is the only use or structure
on a lot.
D.
When all of the energy produced by the facility is not used
at the site of the facility or on an adjoining contiguous property
in common ownership. For purposes of this article, net metering for
purposes of smoothing out differences in day-to day production and
demand on the site of the facility or on an adjoining contiguous property
in common ownership does not constitute off-site use of energy, and
facilities constructed with up to 110% of the projected demand of
the site of the facility, or an adjoining contiguous property in common
ownership or combination thereof, does not constitute off-site use.
RACK MOUNTS
In a rack mount, the photovoltaic modules (solar panels)
are supported by a metal framework and are set at a predetermined
angle. The rack-mounted solar array is placed above the roof with
the rack's members bolted to the roof's structural members.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITY
A facility that engages in the production of electric or
heat energy from solar technologies, photovoltaic technologies, geothermal,
water or wind energy.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY GENERATING FACILITY
A solar or photovoltaic facility mounted to the roof of a
building, carport or other structure which provides protection from
weather or provides habitable or storage space. This shall not include
facilities mounted above surface parking lots.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A system that utilizes solar panels, as defined herein, to
convert solar energy to electricity or heat in order to satisfy all
or a portion of the energy requirements associated with a dwelling
or nonresidential structure and/or to generate electricity for use
in the regional high-voltage electrical grid. The conversion may be
accomplished by solar radiation absorbed by a medium (such as solar
panels, as defined herein) and distributed to a point of use. The
system shall include the solar panels and all associated equipment,
including any base, foundation, structural support, wiring, piping,
batteries or other components, necessary to fully utilize the system.
An auxiliary energy system may be employed to supplement the output
provided by the solar energy system and to provide for the total energy
demand should the solar energy system become inoperable.
SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR STRUCTURE
A facility or structure for the purpose of supplying energy
produced from solar or photovoltaic technologies, whether such facility
or structure is a principal use, a part of the principal use, or an
accessory use or structure.
SOLAR PANEL AREA
The area contained within an elevated panel or plate, or
a canopy or array thereof, that captures and converts solar radiation
to produce power, and includes flat plate, focusing solar collectors,
or photovoltaic solar cells and excludes the base or foundation of
the panel, plate, canopy, or array.
SOLAR PANELS
A structure containing one or more receptive cells, the purpose
of which is to convert solar energy into usable electrical or heat
energy by way of a solar system. This term includes all components
necessary to generate, store, transport and/or transfer energy.
TILT ANGLE
The angle at which a photovoltaic array is set to face the
sun relative to a horizontal position.
Unless otherwise specified, the following general requirements
apply to all solar and photovoltaic facilities regardless of whether
they are principal or accessory uses.
A. Solar or photovoltaic energy
systems are permitted as a principal use in the REO (research, engineering,
office) District in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.11.
B. Solar energy generating systems
are permitted as an accessory use on the same lot as the principal
use, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted, in all residential and
business zone districts (specifically, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-10, R-20,
R-30, R-40, PO, CC, HC, GC-I and GC-II, PUD, PUD (A/T). The purpose
of these accessory systems is to generate energy to satisfy all or
a portion of the energy requirements associated with the on-site dwelling(s)
or business(es), rather than for sale back into the electrical grid
system. This provision shall not be interpreted to prohibit the net
metering of excess power generated from time to time from a solar
energy system that is designed to meet up to 110% the energy needs
of the principal use on the same property. Major ground-mounted facilities
shall not be accessory uses.
[Amended 4-25-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-06]
C. Any solar or photovoltaic energy
generating facility mounted to a structure above a surface parking
area or a roof shall be deemed an accessory use.
D. Solar or photovoltaic energy
facilities are permitted on the roofs of buildings.
E. The installation of solar or
photovoltaic energy systems by any governmental agency on land owned
or leased by said agency shall be permitted as either a conditional
accessory use or conditional principal use in any zone district.
F. Solar or photovoltaic energy
systems installed on, within or above a stormwater management facility,
parking lot, sign structure or any other type of freestanding structure
which is not a roof shall be considered a ground-mounted system. Ground-mounted
systems must be protected from unauthorized access by a security fence
or similar means.
G. Solar or photovoltaic energy
systems shall not be used for displaying any advertising. Reasonable
identification of the manufacturer and/or operator of the system is
permitted using text that does not exceed a height of two inches.
Hazard and/or warning signs pertinent to the electrical nature of
the equipment shall also be permitted.
H. Installation of a solar or
photovoltaic energy system on a nonconforming structure, or on a site
containing a nonconforming structure or use, shall be considered an
expansion of the nonconforming structure or use.
I. No structure or other portion
of any major ground-mounted facility or structure shall occupy any
area designated and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection ("NJDEP") as a floodplain, flood hazard area, wetland,
wetland transition area or riparian corridor unless approved in that
location by the NJDEP.
J. Notwithstanding the provisions
set forth herein, the installation of any solar energy system shall
require a zoning permit and all applicable regulatory and construction
permits, and its design shall conform to all applicable prevailing
codes, standards and ordinances.
K. All access driveways shall
meet current land use ordinance requirements and provide emergency
access to the site as required elsewhere herein.