(a) Solar Energy Systems (SESs) may be permitted in any Commercial or Industrial District, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Solar Energy Systems may be roof-mounted on a principal or accessory structure, subject to the following requirements:
A. Exterior lighting shall be limited to that required for safety and operation purposes and shall follow any applicable exterior lighting standards.
B. Shall not exceed ten feet above the finished roof and shall be exempt from any rooftop equipment or mechanical system screening.
C. Shall be integrated, to the extent possible, with the architectural character of the structure on which the system is affixed.
D. A roof-mounted SES installed on a non-conforming building, structure, or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.
(2) Solar Energy Systems may be ground-mounted, subject to the following requirements:
A. The area of the solar array shall not exceed 25% of the square footage of the primary building of the property. A Ground-Mounted SES shall not count towards the maximum number of square footage of an accessory structures allowed on site.
B. Ground-mounted SES are permitted in the side or rear yards and shall be a minimum of ten feet from the property line. Setback distance is measured from the property line to the closest point of the SES at minimum tilt.
C. Shall not exceed 16 feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the system when oriented at maximum tilt.
(b) Solar Energy Systems (SESs) may be permitted in any Residential District, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Solar Energy Systems may be roof-mounted on a principal or accessory structure, subject to the following requirements:
A. Shall not exceed five feet above the finished roof.
B. Shall be integrated, to the extent possible, with the architectural character of the structure on which the system is affixed.
C. A roof-mounted SES installed on a non-conforming building, structure, or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.
(c) Solar Energy Systems, regardless of zoning district, are subject to the following requirements:
(1) All non-residential SES applications must include a site plan. Applications for Roof-Mounted SES must include horizontal and vertical elevation drawings that show the location and height of the SES on the building and dimensions of the SES.
(2) All Solar Energy Systems shall comply with building codes and other applicable Township, County, State and Federal requirements.
(3) Solar Energy Systems that cease to produce energy on a continuous basis, shall be removed no later than six months after final energy production occurs.
(4) Solar Energy Systems shall be installed, maintained, and used in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
(5) If a Solar Energy System is connected to an electric utility, all connections shall comply with any applicable Township, County, State and Federal requirements.
(6) Solar Energy Systems shall be installed in a location/configuration that prevents glare/reflection onto adjacent properties.
(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)