For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES). A system consisting of a device or combination of devices, structures or parts thereof, that collect, transfer or transform solar radiant energy into thermal, chemical or electrical energy, excluding systems that substantially rely on mirrors or similar technologies to focus solar radiant energy onto a considerably smaller area, and sometimes referred to as “concentrated solar power” systems or “CSP” systems.
(1) SMALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SMALL SES). A solar energy system that relies on roof mounted and/or ground mounted collection systems that have a total cumulative surface area of no more than 2,000 sq. ft. A SMALL SES typically serves a single residence unit, agricultural operation, business or other singular facility, located on the same lot as the SMALL SES.
(2) MEDIUM SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (MEDIUM SES). A solar energy system that relies on roof mounted and/or ground mounted collection systems that have a total cumulative surface area of more than 2,000 sq. ft. but not more than 10,000 sq. ft. A MEDIUM SES commonly serves multiple dwellings, businesses and/or other facilities, all on a single lot on which the system is located and may serve users on other lots.
(3) LARGE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (LARGE SES). A solar energy system that relies on roof mounted and/or ground mounted collection systems that have a total cumulative surface area of more than 10,000 sq. ft. and/or is used principally to provide service to customers not located on the same lot as the LARGE SES, irrespective of the cumulative area of the panels. A LARGE SES commonly serves multiple dwellings, businesses and/or other facilities, all on a single lot on which the system is located and may serve users on other lots including in association with energy utility providers.
(4) SELF-CONTAINED ENERGY SYSTEMS. Solar energy systems that do not exceed four square feet in total solar collector panel area and intended to provide energy to operate a device to which such panel is attached such as in the case of a panel powering an exterior light or an attic fan.
(5) SOLAR COLLECTION PANELS. Panels and/or tiles comprised of semiconductor devices and typically referred to as photovoltaic cells, which collect and convert solar energy directly into electricity. Ground mounted solar collection panels are panels attached to the ground by a pole, metal frame or other similar support structure.
(Ord. 19-01, passed 9-11-2019)