For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY USE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (AUSES). A solar panel or array thereof used for a solar collection system principally used to capture solar energy, and to convert it to electrical energy or thermal power to supply electrical or thermal power primarily or solely for on-site use, and consisting of one or more freestanding, ground-, or roof-mounted panel(s), or modules and solar-related equipment, intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power and/or fuels. An AUSES may be permitted in all zoning districts as accessory structures in each zoning district in which they are erected. The maximum size of AUSES is limited to the maximum size allowed for an accessory structure in each zoning district, and an AUSES shall not be excluded from maximum height, setback, or lot-coverage restrictions.
CO-APPLICANT. A person or entity which executes an application for a solar energy system project solely because of an ownership interest in real property to be used in connection with the project.
COLLECTOR. Any power line whether above ground or below ground that carries electrical power from one or more solar panels or transformers, or converters associated with solar panels, to the point of interconnection with the electrical power grid. In the case of interconnection with high voltage transmission systems, the point of interconnection shall be substation serving the project.
COMMERCIAL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (CSES). An area of land, or other area used by a property owner, multiple property owners, and/or corporate entity, and its contained industrial scale group or series of photovoltaic (or solar) panels placed to convert solar radiation into usable direct current electricity or thermal power, and supply electrical or thermal power, primarily or solely for off-site utility grid use, and consisting of one or more freestanding, ground-mounted solar arrays or modules, battery storage facilities, solar-related equipment, and ancillary improvements, including substations, operations, maintenance, and storage buildings.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is directly installed into the ground and is not attached or affixed to any structure.
NON-PARTICIPATING (PROPERTY OR LANDOWNER). Property, or the property owner of land, adjacent to the CSES project that is not participating in a solar energy system project as a co-applicant.
OPERATOR. Any person or entity which has the primary involvement with, or responsibility for, the use, operation, or maintenance of all or a portion of a solar energy system project.
OWNER. Any person or entity, and his, her, or its assigns and successors in interest which has any ownership interest in any or all of the necessary devises to convert solar energy into electricity. The term OWNER does not include any person or entity whose ownership interest in the CSES is limited to an interest in real property that is used in a CSES.
PARTICIPATING (PROPERTY OR LANDOWNER). Property, or the property owner of land, adjacent to the CSES project that is participating in a solar energy system project as a co-applicant.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (SYSTEM). A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use of semi-conductor devices called photovoltaic cells that generate electricity whenever light strikes the cells.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE. A structure in which the principal use of the lot on which it is located is conducted, but limited to, those structures in which individuals dwell or are employed (but excluding small agricultural buildings and barns).
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system located on the roof of a lawfully-established structure.
SOLAR ARRAY. Multiple solar panels combined together to create one system, which may be small enough to serve as an accessory use solar energy system, or large enough to be paired with multiple arrays to create a commercial solar energy system.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES). A system capable of collecting and converting solar radiation into heat or mechanical or electrical energy, and transferring these forms of energy by a separate apparatus to storage or to point of use, including, but not limited to, water heating, space heating or cooling, electric energy generation, or mechanical energy generation. This definition shall include solar thermal, photovoltaic, and passive solar systems, and both large-scale commercial and small-scale accessory use solar energy systems.
SOLAR PANEL. A device for the direct conversion of sunlight into useable solar energy (including electricity or heat).
(Ord. 2021-11, passed 8-17-2021)