As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
dBA: The sound pressure in A-weighted decibels, being the unit of measure used to express the magnitude of sound pressure and sound intensity using a frequency response curve which resembles the normal frequency hearing curve for most people.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM: A heating and cooling system for a building that pumps circulating fluid through underground piping to transfer heat from or to the building and the earth. The system utilizes the relatively constant temperature of the soil or groundwater beneath the earth's surface to provide heating and cooling to buildings. For purposes of this chapter, the definition of geothermal energy system means only those systems in which the underground piping forms a closed loop system.
NET METERING: An arrangement by which excess energy generated by a renewable energy system is distributed back to the electrical utility grid.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM: A term denoting a solar energy system, wind energy system, geothermal energy system or all of the foregoing.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A system consisting of photovoltaic panels and associated equipment to convert sunlight into electricity or thermal collectors to absorb and store the sun's thermal energy and which is intended primarily to reduce on site consumption of utility power. A solar energy system may be integrated as an architectural component of a building or mounted on a building as an attached fixture or attached to a freestanding pole. Roof shingles made of photovoltaic material are an example of an integrated system.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING MOUNTED: A solar energy system that is attached to the roof, wall, or other elevated surface of a building by means of a post, tripod, bracket or other mounting equipment.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, FREESTANDING: A solar energy system that is attached to a freestanding pole or otherwise ground mounted.
TOWER HEIGHT: The vertical distance as measured from the average grade level at the base of a freestanding wind energy system to the uppermost vertical extension of a rotor blade or the maximum height reached by any part of the freestanding wind energy system.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM: A system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower or mounting equipment, and associated control or conversion electronics which converts wind energy into electricity and which is intended primarily to reduce on site consumption of utility power.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING MOUNTED: A wind energy system in which the wind turbine is attached directly or indirectly to the roof, wall, or other elevated surface of a building by means of a post, tripod, bracket or other mounting equipment.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, FREESTANDING: A wind energy system in which the wind turbine is attached to a freestanding monopole or lattice tower. (Ord. 12-4-5, 4-3-2012)