When considering whether to approve an application for a solar energy system, the following standards and conditions must be satisfied:
(a) Solar panels shall be placed on the portion of the roof of an accessory building so that the panel or panels:
(1) Do not extend beyond the edge of the roof; and
(2) Are placed parallel to the plane of pitched roof and are not more than eighteen inches above the surface of the roof when measured to the top of the solar panel.
(b) Solar panels may only be considered in roof locations, that are not in compliance with division (a) above, when the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning and Zoning Commission that:
(1) The alternative location is necessary to make the system economically justifiable on a commercial property;
(2) There are no alternative locations in compliance with division (a) above and all alternative locations have been adequately evaluated;
(3) The proposed panel(s) and their location(s) are designed to minimize any adverse impacts to the neighborhood; and/or
(4) The size and location of any structure is the minimum necessary to serve the needs of the building(s) on the property.
(c) Solar equipment (other than the panels) shall only be placed inside a building or in the rear yard.
(d) Any ground mounted solar panel systems or related equipment being proposed shall:
(1) Only be located in a rear yard and in compliance with the setback requirements for accessory buildings;
(2) Have an allowed height for both the solar panels and related equipment consistent with the maximum height of accessory buildings permitted within the district;
(3) Comprise only the minimum area needed to provide the energy necessary to serve the property but in no case have a maximum area greater than 1,000 square feet when measured using a horizontal plane around the perimeter of the system and such area shall not be in addition to that allowed for in the maximum area allowances for accessory buildings and structures as otherwise regulated in each zoning district;
(4) Be reasonably screened from view of adjacent property or a street, as determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission, by existing or proposed landscaping and/or fencing. Screening shall be shown on the plans submitted with the application.
(e) Solar panels and related equipment shall be located, oriented or screened and constructed of such material to prevent to the fullest extent practicable glare from solar panels to not be directed at any other person, building or public right-of-way.
(f) An application for a solar energy system to be reviewed by the building and fire departments shall include:
(1) Complete architectural and engineering drawings, adequately scaled and dimensioned, depicting the location, installation, mounting, anchorage details, appearance on the building and details for wiring and connections, battery storage system as noted in division (f)(3) below for the proposed system.
(2) The manufacturer’s specifications for the system being proposed.
(3) Where battery storage systems are proposed for solar energy systems, they shall include, but not limited to:
A. List of equipment;
B. Location plan and site plan;
C. Ventilation;
D. Containment;
E. Supporting structures for batteries and equipment;
F. Electrical system, devices and wiring.
(4) A description and plan of the trees and/or other vegetation that needs to be trimmed or removed from the site for evaluating the removal of such vegetation.
(5) Verification that the installer has professional training, NABCEP certification and licensure as required for work requiring such by state or federal law.
(g) When locating a solar panel, it is the property owner’s responsibility to consider current and future development, growth of trees and vegetation, and other obstructions that might interfere with solar access. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the owner of the solar energy conversion system from obtaining a solar access easement from any person.
(h) All solar energy systems must be reviewed and approved by the Village Building Commission, Fire Inspector, Electrical Inspector and Planning Commission prior to issuance of a permit to install the system.
(i) Post a sign indicating the existence of a solar energy system and battery storage system on the premises identifying location of disconnects for electrical systems to assist Village safety forces when accessing a property or building containing solar panels in case of fire or other emergency.
(Ord. 2022-45. Passed 6-8-22.)