Solar panels or solar collection systems shall conform to or be evaluated for compliance with the following standards:
(a) The proposed system is no larger than necessary to provide 120 percent of the electrical energy requirements of the structure to which it is accessory to as determined by a contractor licensed to install solar and photovoltaic energy systems.
(b) If structurally attached, the solar or photovoltaic system shall:
(1) Be flush mounted on the roof unless good cause is shown by the applicant during site plan review that the solar panel is not at an appropriate angle to obtain maximum sun exposure if mounted flush to the roof.
(2) Be located in the most inconspicuous location on the roof so as not to be seen from the street, if possible, and still be able to function as designed.
(3) Not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building and not be higher than the peak of a sloped roof or higher than five feet from the top of a flat roof.
(4) Be located such that reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented away from adjacent properties and street and alley rights-of-way.
(c) If free-standing, the solar or photovoltaic system shall:
(1) Not extend more than ten feet above the existing grade.
(2) Not be located in the front yard or along any street frontage.
(3) Not be located in any required side or rear yard setback areas for accessory uses and be set back a minimum of fifteen feet from all property lines and a minimum of thirty feet from all residences located on adjacent lots.
(4) Not be positioned so as to reflect sunlight onto neighboring property, public streets or sidewalks, including on any neighboring structures.
(5) Be screened from view of neighboring properties through use of walls, fences, or landscaping.
(d) All signs, both temporary and permanent, are prohibited on solar panel or solar collection systems, except as follows:
(1) Manufacturer's or installer's identification information on the system which shall be appropriately sized.
(2) Appropriate warning signs and placards.
(e) Solar panel or solar collection systems shall comply with all applicable sections of the Ohio Building Code and applicable industry standards such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or an equivalent third party.
(f) All electrical wires and connections shall be located underground.
(g) Any solar panels or solar collection systems to be located in the Downtown Historic District shall not be visible from any street and are subject to the approval of the Architectural and Historic Board of Review.
(h) Solar panels or solar collection systems proposed to be connected to the local utility power grid through net metering shall adhere to R.C. § 4928.67 and the current ANSI standard.
(i) All solar panel or solar collection systems shall be maintained in good working order. If the solar panels or solar collection system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of one year, the systems shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after demolition permit has been obtained. Removal includes the entire structure, including panels, mounting structures, foundations, transmission equipment, and other associated facilities.
(Ord. 23-007. Passed 5-8-23.)