A ground mount or roof mount residential solar energy system used to convert solar energy to electricity where electricity is not sold off site shall be a permitted use in the R, RM, and AG zoning districts only subject to the following regulations:
(A) A zoning permit shall be obtained from Spaulding Township prior to construction of a residential SES. A building permit shall be issued prior to operation of a solar energy system after an inspection of the SES by the Spaulding Township Building Inspector or an authorized agent of the township, and a written report of what the inspection finds that the SES complies with all applicable state construction and electrical codes, local building permit requirements and fees, and all manufacturers' installation instructions. The operator of the SES is responsible for all costs of any such inspection. The SES shall not operate nor remain on the parcel unless building and zoning permits have been issued.
(B) Solar energy collectors shall be installed, maintained, and used only in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. Upon request, a copy of the manufacturer's installation instructions and blueprints shall be provided to the township and its inspectors.
(C) A Residential SES shall provide electrical power only for one dwelling unit and residential outbuildings or one farmstead, located on that parcel on which the SES is located.
(D) The township shall have the right upon approving any SES to inspect the premises on which the SES is located at all reasonable times. The township may hire a consultant to assist with any such review and inspections at the applicant's cost.
(E) All ground mounted solar panels and SES shall comply with the following:
(1) Shall be located on parcels with a minimum of 15,000 square feet in size.
(2) All set back, yard location requirements, and percentage of lot coverage for accessory buildings shall be met.
(3) For lots less than one acre in size, all ground mounted solar panels and SES shall not exceed ten feet in height when utilized in conjunction with residential properties or structures; all other uses and properties shall comply with the structure height requirements for the applicable land use district.
(4) For lots less than one acre in size, the total surface area of all solar panels and SES shall not exceed 800 square feet.
(5) Solar energy collectors shall be permanently and safely attached to the ground.
(6) The exterior surfaces of solar energy collectors shall be generally neutral in color and substantially non reflective of light.
(F) All solar panels or SES on rooftops or structures shall comply with the following:
(1) All structure height requirements for the applicable land use district shall be complied with, inclusive of the solar panel or SES.
(2) No part of the solar panel or SES and equipment shall extend beyond the edge of the roof.
(3) Required accessory equipment may be permitted on the ground and shall meet all accessory structure setbacks and requirements of the township's zoning ordinance and other applicable ordinances.
(4) The exterior surfaces of solar energy collectors that are mounted on the roof or on a wall of a building, or are otherwise attached to a building or structure, shall be generally neutral in color and substantially non-reflective of light.
(Ord. 06-21-22, passed 6-21-2022)