For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS. An active 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.
COMMUNITY SOLAR. A solar-electric (photovoltaic) array that provides retail electric power (or a financial proxy for retail power) to multiple community members or businesses residing or located off-site from the location of the solar energy system, consistent with M.S. § 216B.1641, or successor statute, as it may be amended from time to time. A COMMUNITY SOLAR system may be either an accessory or a principal use.
GRID-INTERTIE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A photovoltaic solar energy system that is connected to an electric circuit served by an electric utility company.
OFF-GRID SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A photovoltaic solar energy system in which the circuits energized by the solar energy system are not electrically connected in any way to electric circuits that are served by an electric utility company.
PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity.
RENEWABLE ENERGY EASEMENT, SOLAR ENERGY EASEMENT. An easement that limits the height or location, or both, of permissible development on burdened land on which the easement is placed in terms of a structure or vegetation, or both, for the purpose of providing access for the benefited land to wind or sunlight passing over the land on which the easement is placed, as defined in M.S § 500.30 subdivision 3, or most recent version, as it may be amended from time to time.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy or wind energy system. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS do not include passive systems that serve a dual function, such as a greenhouse or window.
ROOF PITCH. The final exterior slope of a building roof calculated by the rise over the run, typically but not exclusively expressed in twelfths such as 3/12, 9/12, 12/12.
SOLAR ACCESS. Unobstructed access use of the solar resource (see definition below) on a lot or building, including access across adjacent parcel air rights, for the purpose of capturing direct sunlight to operate a solar energy system.
SOLAR COLLECTOR. A device, structure or a part of a device or structure for which the primary purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical or electrical energy.
SOLAR COLLECTOR SURFACE. Any part of a solar collector that absorbs solar energy for use in the collector’s energy transformation process. COLLECTOR SURFACE does not include frames, supports and mounting hardware.
SOLAR DAYLIGHTING. A device specifically designed to capture and redirect the visible portion of the solar spectrum, while controlling the infrared portion, for use in illuminating interior building spaces in lieu of artificial lighting.
SOLAR ENERGY. Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of heat or light by a solar collector.
SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE. A system or series of mechanisms designed primarily to provide heating, cooling, electrical power, mechanical power, solar daylighting or to provide any combination of the foregoing by means of collecting and transferring solar generated energy into uses either by active or passive means. The systems may also have the capability of storing energy for future utilization. Passive solar energy systems are designed as a SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE, such as a trombe wall, and not merely a part of a normal structure such as a window.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage and distribution of sunlight for space heating or cooling, generation of electricity, water heating or providing daylight for interior lighting.
SOLAR FARM. A commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity, whether by photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar thermal devices (CST), or other conversion technology, for the primary purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity. A SOLAR FARM is the principal land use for the parcel on which it is located.
SOLAR HEAT EXCHANGER. A component of a solar energy device that is used to transfer heat from one substance to another, either liquid or gas.
SOLAR HOT AIR SYSTEM. An active solar energy system that includes a solar collector to provide direct supplemental space heating by heating and re-circulating conditioned building air. The most efficient performance typically uses a vertically-mounted collector on a south-facing wall.
SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM (also referred to as SOLAR THERMAL). A system that includes a solar collector and a heat exchanger that heats or preheats water for building heating systems or other hot water needs, including residential domestic hot water and hot water for commercial processes.
SOLAR MOUNTING DEVICES. Racking, frames or other devices that allow the mounting of a solar collector onto a roof surface or the ground.
SOLAR RESOURCE. A view of the sun from a specific point on a lot or building that is not obscured by any vegetation, building or object for a minimum of four hours between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. standard time on any day of the year.
SOLAR STORAGE UNIT. A component of a solar energy device that is used to store solar generated electricity or heat for later use.
(Prior Code, § 12-230) (Ord. 03-2015, passed 8-18-2015)