The following words and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meaning given to them in this section unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise:
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 surface 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 municipality and that is either the principal structure
or an accessory structure on a recorded lot or parcel. This system
also includes any solar-based architectural elements.
CELL
The smallest basic solar electric device which generates
electricity when exposed to light.
DRIPLINE
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.
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. One thousand kWs is equal to one megawatt (MW).
MODULE
A module is the smallest protected assembly of interconnected
PV cells.
NET METERING AGREEMENT
An agreement with a local electrical utility that allows
customers to receive 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 does 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 lots
and parcels. 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 community and promote energy
efficiency.
C. Integrate alternative energy systems seamlessly into the community's
neighborhoods and landscapes without diminishing quality of life in
the neighborhoods.
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 lot
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.
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 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 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 Article
XVI of this Zoning Ordinance.
Before any construction or installation on any solar PV system
shall commence, the applicant shall obtain a permit to document compliance
with this article as issued by the municipality.