The purpose of this article is to adopt and incorporate the requirements and standards of Wis. Stats., §§ 66.0401 and 66.0403, to regulate solar energy systems to produce electricity and/or conversion of energy for uses on-site. The regulations of this section have been established to ensure solar energy systems are sited, constructed, maintained, and decommissioned in a manner that maximizes utilization of the Town of Rome solar energy resources, health, safety, and welfare of the community.
[Added 2-19-2026 by Ord. No. 26-04]
Means a solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include but are not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
Means a solar energy system mounted on a rack or pole that rests or is attached to the ground.
Means a solar energy system mounted on a rack that is fastened to or ballasted on a building roof. Roof-mount systems are accessory to the principal use.
Means a radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of heat or light by a solar collector.
Means a devices, which has the primary purpose of harvesting energy by transforming solar energy into another form of energy or transferring heat from a collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical, or chemical means.
Means the racking, frames, or other devices that allow the mounting of a solar collector onto a roof surface or the ground.
Means a component of a solar energy device that is used to store solar generated electricity or heat for later use.
A.
Permitted. Solar energy systems shall be a permitted use in all zoned districts, subject to the requirements, standards, and processes set forth in this article.
(1)
Building- and roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts subject to the requirements, standards, and processes set forth in this article.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted as a conditional use in all zoned districts, subject to the requirements, standards, and processes set forth in this article.
B.
Height. Solar energy systems shall meet the following height requirements:
(1)
Building- or roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum allowed height in any zoning district unless the system protrudes less than one foot from the surface from which it is directly attached.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 10 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
C.
Setbacks. Solar energy systems shall comply with the following setback requirements:
(1)
Roof- or building-mounted solar energy systems. Roof- or building-mounted solar energy systems located on a principal or accessory structure shall adhere to the applicable zoning district setbacks for principal or accessory structures. In addition to the building setback, the collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built, unless the collector and mounting system has been explicitly engineered to safely extend beyond the edge, and setback standards are not violated. Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard exposure. Solar collectors mounted on the sides of buildings and serving as awnings are considered to be building-integrated systems and are regulated as awnings.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall meet the accessory structure setbacks for the zoning district in which the system is located and may not extend into the required setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt.
D.
Visibility. Solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building to which its installed or the surrounding landscape, to the extent possible such that this section does not diminish solar production or increase costs, consistent with Wis. Stat., § 66.0401.
(1)
Building-integrated photovoltaic systems. Building-integrated photovoltaic solar energy systems shall be permitted, provided the building component in which the system is integrated meets all required zoning district setbacks in which the building is located and complies with local and State Building Code requirements.
(2)
Roof-mounted solar energy systems. Solar energy systems that are flush mounted on pitched roofs shall be blended with the building architecture. Non-flush mounted pitched roof systems shall not be higher than the roof peak, and the collector shall face the same direction as the roof on which it is mounted, to minimize wind loading and structural risks to the roof.
(3)
Reflectors. All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize reflected light from the reflector affecting adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize reflected light include selective placement of the system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit reflected light.
E.
Coverage. Roof or building-mounted solar energy systems, excluding building-integrated systems, shall allow for adequate roof access for fire-fighting purposes to the south-facing or flat roof upon which the panels are mounted.
F.
Approved solar components. Electric solar energy system components must have an Underwriters Laboratories, or equivalent listing and solar hot water systems must have a solar rating and certification corporation rating.
G.
Compliance with Building Code. All solar energy systems shall comply with the Town and State Building Code, solar thermal systems shall comply with HVAC-related requirements of the State Building Energy Code, and all photovoltaic systems shall comply with the State Electrical Code.
H.
Structural integrity. All building-mounted integrated solar energy systems shall only be permitted if it is determined the additional weight, infrastructure, and/or modifications will not compromise the structural integrity of the building.
I.
Compliance with state plumbing code. Solar thermal systems shall comply with applicable Wisconsin State Plumbing Code requirements.
J.
Utility notification. All grid-intertied solar energy systems shall comply with the interconnection requirements of the electric utility. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement.