For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS, SMALL SCALE. Any device or combination of devices or elements which rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source, including, but not limited to, any substance or device which collects sunlight for generating energy for residential use. The term shall include passive and active solar systems.
ACCESSORY SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS, UTILITY SCALE. Any device or combination of devices or elements which rely upon sunlight as an energy source, including, but not limited to, any substances or devices which collect sunlight for generating energy primarily for selling and/or returning electric energy to an electric distributor. Energy generated by this system may be used to serve on site power needs as well. Location of such high impact use is restricted to flat roofs and areas that cannot be seen from major thoroughfares. This use is prohibited from slopes greater than 20% grade and shall not cover more than 50% of a property.
ACCESSORY WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, tower and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of less than or equal to 100 kilowatts and is intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a small wind energy system only if it supplies electrical power for on-site use with no intention of selling power back to the grid.
ACCESSORY WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM, UTILITY SCALE. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, tower and associated control or conversion electronics with the intention of selling power back to the grid.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. A detailed examination of the applicant’s proposal as it relates to the project’s local environment with an emphasis on avoiding, minimizing and mitigating adverse impacts. An engineer licensed in the state must provide an ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT.
FALL ZONE. The National Academy of Sciences has recommended a height three times the height of the tower as a setback from the nearest structure in order to alleviate the concerns of safety and negative impact. It may be possible to have a professional engineer calculate the specific FALL ZONE for where the turbine could conceivably land if it were to topple. Additionally, the town’s setback from both property lines and buildings that may lie on the same property should exceed the FALL ZONE.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. Any device associated with a solar or wind powered system, such as an outdoor electrical unit/control box that transfers the energy to the intended on-site structure.
OPERATOR. The entity responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the wind energy facility.
PARAPET WALL or CURTAIN WALL. A wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof where extending above a roof, it may simply be a portion of the exterior wall that continues above the line of the roof surface, or may be a continuation of a vertical feature beneath the roof such as a fire wall. This outer covering is non-structural and is used merely to keep the weather out or to be used as a screening device. Because it is non-structural, it must be of like durability as the other external building materials.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV). The technology that uses semiconductors to convert light directly to electricity.
SOLAR GLARE. The effect produced by light reflecting from a solar panel with an intensity sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.
SOLAR ACCESS. A property owner’s right to have sunlight shine on the owner’s land.
SOLAR PANEL. A solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of photovoltaic cells that make up one unit. SOLAR PANELS are usually grouped together as several units held together by a metal frame; called an ARRAY.
WIND ENERGY FACILITY. An electric generating facility, whose main purpose is to supply electricity, consisting of one or more wind turbines and other accessories.
WIND POWER. The conversion of wind energy into another form of energy.
WIND TURBINE or WINDMILL. A wind energy conversion system that converts wind energy into electricity through the use of a wind turbine generator, and may include a nacelle, rotor, tower, guy wires and pad transformer.
WIND TURBINE HEIGHT. The distance measured from grade at the center of the tower to the highest point of the turbine rotor or tip of the turbine blade when it reaches its highest elevation.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2005; Ord. passed 5-13-2013; Ord. passed 10-10-2016; Ord. passed 3-14-2019, § 315)