For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. Any SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY that ceases to produce energy on a continuous basis for 12 months will be considered abandoned.
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT. Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a SEF. The term includes utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, equipment BUILDINGS, and storage sheds, shelters, or similar structures.
APPLICANT. The SEF OWNER/SEF OPERATOR, or the person(s), entity, or company submitting an application for a solar energy development permit on behalf of the SEF OWNER/OPERATOR.
BUILDING. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, and designated or intended for the shelter, support, enclosure, or protection of persons, animals, or chattels.
CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP). See THERMAL SOLAR CONVERSION.
CONSERVATION AREA. Such areas include natural areas protected by law, such as wetlands that meet the definition in the Clean Water Act, 33 USC §§ 1251 et seq.; shoreland areas; water bodies; riparian buffers; populations of endangered or threatened species, or habitat for such species; archaeological sites, cemeteries, and burial grounds; important historic sites; other significant natural features and scenic viewsheds; and existing trails or corridors that connect the tract to neighboring areas.
DECOMMISSIONING PLAN. A document that details the planned shut down and removal of a SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY from operation or use.
ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION TOWER. A tall structure, usually a steel lattice tower, which was set up for the purpose of transmitting and receiving power, and is used to support high voltage overhead power lines.
FENCE. A continuous barrier extending from the surface of the ground to a uniform height of not less than six feet from the ground at any given point, constructed of chain link.
GATE. A door or other device attached to a FENCE which, when opened, provides a means of ingress and egress of persons and things for which it was intended, and which, when closed, forms a continuous barrier as part of the FENCE to which it is attached.
IMPROVED AREA. Area containing perimeter fencing, SOLAR PANELS, electrical inverters, storage BUILDINGS, and access roads.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR CONVERSION (PV). An active solar energy system in which sunlight is converted directly into electricity through the photovoltaic process of converting light (photons) into electricity (voltage).
PROPERTY OWNER. The person(s), entity, or company having fee simple ownership of the property where the SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY is located.
PROTECTED BUILDING. All residential, commercial, and institutional BUILDINGS within 300 feet of a SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY, excluding accessory BUILDINGS such as storage sheds.
PUBLIC ROAD. Any road or highway which is now or hereafter maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation as part of the state highway system. Setbacks for improved areas shall be measured from the back of the road right-of-way.
REPAIR. The replacement of existing work with the same kind of material used in the existing work, not including additional work that would change the structural safety of the structure or that would affect or change required existing facilities, or that would be in violation of a provision of law or this chapter. The term REPAIR shall not apply to any change in construction.
RESIDENCE. A building used as a dwelling for one or more families or persons.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY/PARTIES. The SEF OWNER/SEF OPERATOR, as defined in this section.
SEF OWNER/SEF OPERATOR. The person(s), entity, or company that engages in or runs a SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY.
SOLAR ARRAY. An active solar energy system that converts sunlight into electricity using either THERMAL or PHOTOVOLTAIC methods. Such a system has multiple SOLAR COLLECTORS, and might include transformers, generators, batteries, and other appurtenant structures and/or facilities.
SOLAR COLLECTOR or SOLAR PANEL. A device that converts sunlight into electricity using either THERMAL or PHOTOVOLTAIC methods.
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY (SEF). A commercial electricity generating facility (PV or CSP), the primary purpose of which is to supply electricity. This consists of one or more SOLAR ARRAYS and other accessory structures, equipment, and BUILDINGS, including substations, battery storage, electrical infrastructure, generators, transmission lines, and other appurtenant structures and/or facilities. Also known as solar farms.
STATE. The State of North Carolina.
THERMAL SOLAR CONVERSION. An active solar energy system that converts sunlight into electricity by using mirrors or lenses to collect and concentrate heat to a small area in order to drive a heat engine, usually a conventional steam generator. For a commercial application this is called CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP).
UTILITY POLE. A structure owned and/or operated by a public utility, municipality, electric membership corporation, or rural electric cooperative that is designed specifically for and used to carry lines, cables, or wires for telephone, cable television, or electricity, or to provide lighting.
(Ord. passed 11-5-2018)