In addition to the requirements set forth in § 154.081, solar energy systems shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) (1) Solar energy systems may be roof-mounted and or ground-mounted in the rear yard only.
(2) Height. The solar energy systems shall generally comply with general height restrictions set forth in the Zoning Code. However, ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
(B) Setback. In addition to meeting the accessory structure setback requirements set forth in the town code, solar energy systems shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems. The collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built, unless the collector and mounting system has been explicitly engineered to safely extend beyond the edge, and setback standards are not violated. Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard exposure. Solar collectors mounted on the sides of buildings and serving as awnings are considered to be building-integrated systems and are regulated as awnings.
(2) Ground-mounted solar energy systems. Ground-mounted solar energy systems may not extend into the side-yard or rear setback when oriented at minimum design tilt except as permitted under the Zoning Code.
(C) Visibility. In general, solar energy systems shall be designed to minimize visual impacts from the public right-of-way and subject to the following considerations:
(1) Building integrated systems. Building integrated solar energy systems shall be allowed regardless of whether the system is visible from the public right-of-way, provided the building component in which the system is integrated meets all other provisions of the Zoning Code.
(2) Aesthetic restrictions. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted or ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be restricted for aesthetic reasons if the system is not visible from the closest edge of any public right-of-way other than an alley or if the system meets the following criteria:
(a) Roof-mounted systems on pitched roofs that are visible from the nearest edge of the front right-of-way shall have the same finished pitch as the roof and be no more than ten inches above the roof.
(b) Roof-mounted systems on flat roofs that are visible from the nearest edge of the front right-of-way shall not be more than five feet above the finished roof and are exempt from any rooftop equipment or mechanical system screening.
(3) Reflectors. All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize glare from the reflector affecting adjacent or nearby properties.
(D) Screening.
(1) Visual impact. If a solar energy system can be viewed from a public right-of-way or adjacent property, the town, by and through its Building Commission, as appropriate, may require screening if it first determines there is a clear community interest in maintaining a view shed. Screening requirements imposed by the town should be reasonable, practical and should not unreasonably impair the efficiency of the solar energy system.
(2) Large solar structures. Any ground-mounted solar energy system exceeding 400 square feet shall be screened from existing residential dwellings and public rights-of-way, and a landscape plan shall be submitted with the building permit application that identifies the type and extent of the proposed screening.
(E) Compliance and components.
(1) Approved solar components. Electric solar energy system components must have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or equivalent listing and solar hot water systems must have a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or equivalent rating.
(2) Compliance with Building Code. All solar energy systems shall comply with the town building code, consistent with the State of Indiana Building Code, and solar thermal systems shall comply with HVAC-related requirements of the Energy Code.
(3) Compliance with State Electric Code. All photovoltaic solar energy systems shall comply with the Indiana State Electric Code.
(4) Compliance with State Plumbing Code. All solar thermal systems shall comply with the applicable Indiana State Plumbing Codes requirements.
(5) Utility notification. No solar energy generating system connected or capable of being connected to a local utility, also known as grid tied, shall be installed until evidence has been provided to the town that the local utility has been informed of the property owner's intention to install an interconnected customer-owned generator and any utility required interconnection agreement between the utility and the property owner has been executed. Stand alone or off grid solar systems are exempt from these requirements.
(Ord. 2021-15, passed 11-8-21; Am. Ord. 2022-10, passed 9-12-22)