(A) Intent and purpose. Uniform standards and procedures shall be established to manage the development, siting, installation, and operation of solar energy collection conversion systems (SECS) and small wind energy systems (SWES) to ensure that these devices are installed in a manner that will protect and promote public health and safety and preserve the character of the village.
(B) Definitions.
(1) "SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS (SWES)." A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower or post and associated controls of conversion electronics that is located on the ground as an accessory use/structure and with a nameplate capacity of less than 50 kilowatts for residential systems and less than 100 kilowatts for nonresidential systems.
(2) "SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (SECS)." Solar energy collection panels are a type of photovoltaic (PV) system that collects energy from sunlight and converts it into usable energy for a building.
(C) Solar energy conversion systems (SECS).
(1) Solar panels shall be permitted on any roof in any zoning district as a permitted accessory use. No freestanding solar panels shall be allowed in any residential district.
(2) All frame and visible structural parts of the panels shall be neutral in color. No solar panel shall be artificially lighted.
(3) A building permit is required and the application shall conform to electrical/ building code for wind and load requirements.
(4) Solar panels shall be used primarily to generate energy for the property where it is located.
(5) Roof coverage shall not exceed more than 50% of the total roof surface of a structure.
(6) No solar panel shall be located closer than ten feet from an adjacent property line.
(7) Solar panels shall be parallel with the roof line when possible especially when visible from the right-of- way and shall not be elevated more than 30 degrees off the roof pitch where it is attached or no more than five feet whichever is less.
(Ord. 17-1420, passed 12-6-17)