For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. A structure, the use of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building and is attached thereto and is located on the same lot or premises as the principal building.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS. Structures, equipment, devices or construction techniques used for the production of heat, light, cooling, electricity or other forms of energy on site and may be attached to or separate from the principal structure.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEMS. A solar energy system that consists of integrating photovoltaic modules into the building structure, such as the roof or the facade and which does not alter the relief of the roof.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL. Photovoltaic panels and tiles that are installed flush to the surface of a roof and which cannot be angled or raised.
FREESTANDING OR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is directly installed in the ground and is not attached or affixed to an existing structure.
PERMIT GRANTING AUTHORITY. The village authority is charged with granting permits for the installation and operation of solar energy systems.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS. A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use of semiconductor devices, called photovoltaic cells, that generate electricity whenever light strikes them.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER.
(1) A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) shall be deemed to be QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLERS for the purposes of this definition. Persons who are not on NABCEP’s list of certified installers may be deemed to be QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLERS if the village determines such persons have had adequate training to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the installation safely.
(2) Such training shall include the proper use of special precautionary techniques and personal protective equipment, as well as the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electrical equipment and to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
ROOFTOP OR BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEM. A solar power system in which solar panels are mounted on top of the structure of a roof either as a flush-mounted system or as modules fixed to frames which can be tilted toward the south at an optimal angle.
SMALL-SCALE SOLAR. Solar photovoltaic systems that produce up to ten kilowatts (kW) per hour of energy or solar-thermal systems which serve the building to which they are attached and do not provide energy for any other buildings.
SOLAR ACCESS. Space open to the sun and clear of overhangs or shade, including the orientation of streets and lots to the sun so as to permit the use of active and/or passive solar energy systems on individual properties.
SOLAR COLLECTOR. A solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array or solar hot air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored heat.
SOLAR EASEMENT. An easement recorded pursuant to state’s Real Property Law (765 ILCS 5 through 170), the purpose of which is to secure the right to receive sunlight across real property of another for continued access to sunlight necessary to operate a solar collector.
SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT/SYSTEM (SES).
(1) Solar collectors, controls, energy storage devices, heat pumps, heat exchangers and other materials, hardware or equipment necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation and distributed.
(2) Solar systems include solar thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated solar.
SOLAR PANEL. A device for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity.
SOLAR STORAGE BATTERY. A device that stores energy from the sun and makes it available in an electrical form.
SOLAR-THERMAL SYSTEMS. Solar thermal systems directly heat water or other liquid using sunlight. The heated liquid is used for such purposes as space heating and cooling, domestic hot water and heating pool water.
(Ord. 567, passed 11-6-2023)