For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ARRAY. Any number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules providing a single electrical output.
BUILDING INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) SYSTEMS. A solar energy system that consists of integrating photovoltaic modules into the building structure, such as the roof, wall or the facade, and which does not alter the relief of the roof.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is installed directly in the ground and is not attached or affixed to an existing building or similar structure.
ONSITE SOLAR SYSTEM. A solar energy system mounted on a building or on the ground and located on a parcel containing a principal use. An onsite solar system is considered an accessory use of the parcel and provides its electricity or heat only to uses on the parcel.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (TV) SYSTEMS. A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use of semiconductor devices, called photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity whenever sunlight strikes them.
ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM. A solar energy system in which solar panels are mounted on top of a roof, either as a flush-mounted system or as modules fixed to frames which can be tilted.
SOLAR ACCESS. The right of a property owner to have sunlight shine onto the property owner’s land.
SOLAR COLLECTOR. A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored heat.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES). Solar collectors, controls, energy storage devices, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and other materials, hardware or equipment necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation, and distributed. Solar systems include solar thermal, photovoltaic, and concentrated solar. This definition does not include small devices or equipment such as solar powered lawn or building lights which house both the solar energy generation system and the system which uses that energy to operate.
SOLAR FARM. A solar energy system which is the principal use of a parcel and which is designed and constructed to produce electrical energy for sale back into an electrical energy grid system and not consumed on site.
SOLAR PANEL. A device for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity.
SOLAR-THERMAL SYSTEMS. A system, which through the use of sunlight, heats water or other liquids for such purposes as space heating and cooling, domestic hot water or heating pool water.
WALL-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is installed flush to the surface of the wall of a permanent building.
(Ord. 2020-01 passed - -2020)