§ 255-263.   Solar energy systems.
are permitted as an in all zoning districts subject to the following specific criteria:
   A.    , and bulk requirements.
      (1)   Setback restrictions.
         (a)    components are prohibited in front , along any frontage, and within any required setback.
         (b)    components shall not encroach upon any or easement including, but not limited to, water, stormwater, , natural gas, telephone, and electrical easements.
         (c)    must meet the applicable setbacks for the zoning district in which the system is located.
         (d)   A ground mounted or freestanding panel or may not extend into the applicable side- or rear- setback when oriented at minimum design tilt.
         (e)    shall not encroach upon any stormwater management facility.
      (2)   Height restrictions.
         (a)    mounted , other than a integrated system, shall not exceed the maximum height restriction imposed upon principal and accessory and within the applicable zoning district. For purposes of height measurement, mounted shall be considered equipment or mechanical devices and are restricted consistent with the height limitations applicable to other mounted equipment or mechanical devices in the zoning district in which the is located.
         (b)   Ground mounted or freestanding shall not exceed the applicable maximum accessory height in the zoning district in which the is located.
      (3)    coverage.
         (a)   For purposes of determining compliance with standards of the applicable zoning district, the total horizontal projection area of all ground- mounted and freestanding solar collectors, including solar photovoltaic cells, panels, , and solar hot air or water collector devices, shall be considered . For a or other moveable system, the horizontal projection area shall be calculated at a 33 degree tilt angle.
   B.   Design and installation requirements.
      (1)    shall be installed in compliance with all applicable and codes, including regulations with respect to stormwater management and impervious cover.
      (2)   The design and installation of shall conform to applicable industry codes and standards, including those of the International Code Council (ICC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, and any other similar certifying and professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
      (3)   All exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines shall be buried below the surface of the ground and shall be placed in conduit.
      (4)   All components shall be clearly labeled with a warning concerning voltage and other important electrical safety information.
      (5)   Roof access, pathways, smoke ventilation and setbacks for roof mounted solar panels (photovoltaic arrays) must conform to the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code (IBC, IFC and IRC) adopted by the Township in Chapter 73, Uniform Construction Code, § 73-6. [Amended 4-11-23 by Ord. No. 23-1385, § 1]
      (6)   All shall be mounted in accordance with the listed installation instructions of the system.
      (7)   Non-habitable structures. Non-habitable structures are not subject to the roof access, pathway, and smoke ventilation requirements of this section. Non-habitable structures include, but are not limited to accessory detached garages, barns, and sheds.
      (8)    that are part of a mounted are exempt from visual screening requirements specified by the Code of the Township of Upper Dublin outside of this Chapter, but the shall be positioned to prevent solar glare upon neighboring properties. [Amended 3-23-21 by Ord. No. 21-1367, § 1].
   C.   Operation and .
      (1)    shall be operated in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
      (2)    shall be positioned to prevent upon any neighboring properties.
      (3)    shall not be used to display advertising or decoration, including signage, streamers, pennants, spinners, reflectors, ribbons, tinsel, balloons, flags, banners, lights, or similar items. Manufacturers and equipment information, safety warnings, and ownership information may be displayed on equipment provided such information complies with applicable regulations.
      (4)   Owners of are encouraged but not required to obtain from neighboring landowners to ensure . The Township does not guarantee and will not protect any individual property rights with respect to .
   D.   Decommissioning requirements.
      (1)   If a remains unserviceable for a continuous period of one year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance, with the exception of . The owner shall remove the system within six months of abandonment after a demolition has been obtained in accordance with the following:
         (a)   Any aboveground mechanical equipment, wiring, and structural components shall be removed.
         (b)   Underground wiring and structural components shall be removed and the resulting void space filled.
      (2)   When a ground-mounted or freestanding is removed, any disturbed earth as a result of the removal of the system shall be restored, graded and reseeded.