The definitions set forth in § 154.02 are applicable to this chapter and are incorporated herein. The following definitions shall also apply to this chapter. Where there is a conflicting provision, the definitions set forth in this chapter shall control.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM. Any energy system using renewable, non-fossil fuels to generate power, including but not limited to solar, geothermal, and wind.
GENERATION OF POWER FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. The generation of more than twice as much energy as used annually by the subject property upon which an alternative energy system is installed.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS (GES). A system that extracts heat from the earth by an open or closed system. An open system typically utilizes a well that is drilled to extract ambient tepid water, whereby the system extracts the heat and returns the water to the earth through the well. A closed system is normally a network of pipe or tubing that circulates water to transfer the heat from the earth to the liquid within the closed loop, whereby the system extracts the hear and recycles the liquid to repeat the cycle.
NON-RESIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM. An alternative energy system
which is an accessory use to a lawful non-residential use in any zoning district.
OWNER. The record owner of the real property upon which an alternative energy system is installed or maintained.
RESIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM. An alternative energy system which is an accessory use to a lawful residential use in any zoning district.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES). An energy system and all associated equipment which converts solar energy to usable thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy to meet all or part of a structure's energy requirements, including but not limited to the use of solar panels to heat water or air, or otherwise generate electric power.
SOLAR PANEL. A single photovoltaic panel or a group of photovoltaic panels containing one or more receptive cells, the purpose of which is to convert solar energy into usable thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS). Any device, such as a wind charger, windmill, or wind turbine, and associated facilities including the support structure of the system such as a tower, that converts wind energy into mechanical or electrical energy.
(Ord. O-2010-20, passed 11-8-10)