(A) Electrical.
(1) An exterior utility disconnect switch shall be installed at the electric meter serving the property.
(2) Solar energy systems shall be grounded to protect against natural lightning strikes in conformance with the National Electrical Code as adopted by the State of Minnesota.
(3) No solar energy system shall be interconnected with the local electric utility company until the utility company has reviewed and commented upon it. The interconnection of the solar energy system with the utility company shall adhere to the National Electrical Code as adopted by the State of Minnesota.
(B) Color. All roof mounted solar energy systems shall use colors that are the same or similar with the color of the roof material of the building on which the system is mounted.
(C) Location.
(1) Roof mounting.
(a) The solar energy system shall comply with the maximum height requirements of the applicable zoning district.
(b) The solar energy system shall not extend beyond the perimeter of the exterior walls for the building on which it is mounted and must meet the setback requirements for the zoning district.
(c) The solar energy system shall be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street.
(2) Ground mounting.
(a) The solar energy system shall only be located in the rear yard.
(b) The solar energy system shall comply with the maximum height requirements for accessory buildings for the applicable zoning district.
(c) All components of the solar energy system shall be setback from the rear and side property lines in accordance with the applicable zoning district in which they are placed and will be measured from the closest point at minimum design tilt.
(d) The solar energy system shall be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street.
(e) Solar energy systems shall not encroach upon any drainage and utility easements.
(f) When visible from adjacent residential properties and from residential properties across a public street or road, the solar energy system shall be landscaped and/or screened to minimize the visual impact to the greatest extent possible. All landscaping and screening shall be of sufficient width and density to provide year-round screening of the solar energy system.
(Ord. 457, passed 10-16-2018)