(A) Signage.
(1) The manufacturers or installer’s identification and appropriate warning signs shall be posted on or near the panels in a clearly visible manner.
(2) Signage should, at minimum, include warning high voltage, contact information for owner/operator, unique identification such as the address for the SEF in case of emergency. No portion of the SEF shall be used to display advertising.
(3) The manufacturers’ information or ownership information may be allowed on any equipment of the SEF, provided that they comply with the prevailing sign regulations.
(4) An information sign shall be posted and maintained at the entrance(s) which lists the name and phone number of the operator that may be contacted 24 hours and seven days a week.
(B) Emergency services. Marking is required to provide emergency responders with appropriate warning and guidance with respect to isolating the solar electric system in the event of a fire or emergency. The main service disconnect marking shall be placed adjacent to the main service disconnect in a location clearly visible from the location where the lever is operated. Materials used for marking shall be weather resistant. UL 969 shall be used as a standard for weather rating. The applicant shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic, and site plan to the local fire chief. Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that emergency services can safely access the SEF. Access roads and internal routes within an SEF that are anticipated to be utilized by emergency vehicles shall be maintained throughout construction and shall be identified on the site plan provided to the local fire chief. The applicant, owner, or operator will cooperate with local emergency services in developing an emergency response plan.
(C) Wiring. On site power lines between solar panels and inverters shall be placed underground. Any above-ground wiring within the footprint of the SEF shall not exceed the height of the solar array at maximum tilt.
(D) Screening. The design of solar energy facilities buffers shall use materials, colors, textures, screening, and landscaping, that will blend the facility into the natural setting and existing environment.
(E) Batteries. If the solar energy facility consists of batteries or storage of batteries, adequate design must be provided to ensure all local, state, and federal requirements regulating outdoor battery storage have been met.
(F) Driveway. The applicant must obtain a driveway permit from the County Road Commission.
(G) Reflection and glare.
(1) The design and construction of the solar energy facility shall be sited so as not to produce light emissions, either direct or indirect (reflective), that would interfere with pilot vision and/or traffic control operations or emit glare which negatively impacts adjacent properties and is a nuisance.
(2) The applicant or owner has the burden of proof that any glare produced does not have an adverse effect of adjacent uses through siting and mitigation. The applicant shall provide a mitigation plan at the time of application.
(3) The Planning Commission may require an analysis by a third-party qualified professional to determine if glare from the SES will be visible from nearby residents and roadways. If required, the analysis shall consider the changing position of the sun throughout the day and year, and its influence on the SES.
(H) Utility. A copy of the application to the utility company that will be purchasing electricity from the proposed site shall be provided to the township.
(I) Landowner agreement. An affidavit or evidence of an agreement between the property owner and the facility’s owner or operator confirming the owner or operator has permission of the property owner to apply for the necessary permits for construction and operation of the solar energy facility.
(J) Studies and reports. Any other relevant studies, reports, certificates, and approval as may be reasonably required by the township.
(K) Certifications. Certification that the applicant has complied with or will comply with all applicable county, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances, including compliance with the following:
(1) Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (Part 361 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994 as amended, more commonly known as PA 116), and with applicable parts of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994, M.C.L.A. §§ 324.101 et seq.) including but not limited to Part 31 Water Resources Protection (M.C.L.A. §§ 324.3101 et seq.), Part 91 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (M.C.L.A. §§ 324.9101 et seq.), Part 301 Inland Lakes and Streams (M.C.L.A. §§ 324.30101 et seq.), and Part 303 Wetlands (M.C.L.A. §§ 324.30301 et seq.).
(2) The applicant shall be responsible for making repairs to any public roads, drains and infrastructure damaged by the construction or operation of the solar energy facility. The applicant/owner will be required to enter into a road use agreement and drain agreement with the County Road Commission and Drain Commission for post-construction repairs, if required by these agencies.
(3) Copies of all such permits and approvals that have been obtained or applied for at the time of the application.
(L) Manufacturers safety data sheets. Documentation shall include the type and quality of all materials used in the operation of all equipment. The applicant shall submit manufacturer’s safety data sheets.
(M) Maintenance plan. The applicant shall submit a maintenance plan that describes the following:
(1) Explains routine maintenance to solar panels and facility.
(2) Demonstrates the SEF will be designed, constructed, and operated to minimize dust generation, including the provision of sufficient watering of excavated or graded soil during construction to prevent excessive dust.
(3) States the manner in which unpaved access roads will be treated and maintained, either with a dust palliative or graveled or treated by another approved dust control method to prevent excessive dust.
(4) Provisions that will be employed to maintain and promote native vegetation while minimizing the proliferation of weeds during and following construction. A record of mowing and the height of vegetation/grass following each cutting shall be recorded in the maintenance log described below.
(5) If a SEF is not maintained in operational and reasonable condition or poses a potential safety hazard, the owner shall take expeditious action to correct the situation, including SEF removal as necessary.
(6) The owner shall keep a maintenance log on each SEF and must provide a complete log to the township annually or within 30 days of request.
(N) Lighting. Lighting shall be consistent with local, state, and federal law, and shall be limited to that required for safety and operational purposes. Lighting shall comply with the requirements of the township zoning ordinance.
(O) Noise. The sound pressure level of a SEF and all ancillary solar equipment shall not exceed 45 dBA (Leq (1-hour)) at the property line of an adjoining non-participating lot. The site plan shall include modeled sound isolines extending from the sound source to the property lines to demonstrate compliance with this standard.
(P) Transfer of sale. If a SEF ownership changes, the township shall be notified within 30 days of sale.
(1) Upon transfer or sale, the cash bond shall be maintained at all times, the estimated costs of decommissioning shall be resubmitted, and the security adjusted to account for the new estimate.
(2) The new owner/operator must meet with the Township Zoning Administrator within 60 days of the change in ownership.
(Q) Road use agreement. The applicant, owner, or operator shall enter into an agreement with the County Road Commission which, at minimum, satisfies the following requirements:
(1) Identifies the routes intended for use in connection with the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the SEF.
(2) Surveys and provides a baseline report of the condition of such routes prior to use by the SEF.
(3) Agrees to restore affected roads, at minimum, to the condition reflected in the baseline report within 90 days of permit process completion.
(Ord. 17-07, passed 11-20-2017; Ord. 23-01, passed 1-17-2023)