BUILDING INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A type of building mounted solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural part of the building. Building integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, shading devices and similar architectural components.
BUILDING MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A solar energy system that is mounted on the facade or roof of either a principal or accessory structure. A building mounted solar energy system shall include building integrated solar energy systems and flush mounted solar energy systems.
FLUSH MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A type of building mounted solar energy system that is mounted flush with a finished surface at no more than six inches (6") in height above that surface.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM: A sealed, watertight loop of pipe buried outside of a building foundation, intended to recirculate a liquid solution through a heat exchanger. This includes, but is not limited to: vertical closed loop, horizontal closed loop and body of water closed loop systems.
GROUND MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A solar energy system that is not attached to another structure and is ground mounted.
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL: A semiconductor device that converts solar energy into electricity.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A system for which the primary purpose is to convert solar energy into thermal, mechanical or electrical energy for storage and use. Solar energy systems include building mounted solar energy systems (building integrated and flush mounted), ground mounted solar energy systems, and utility solar energy systems.
SOLAR PANEL: A group of photovoltaic cells assembled on a panel or thermal collectors for air and water heating. Panels are assembled on site into solar arrays.
UTILITY SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A solar energy system that is used in order to produce energy for commercial distribution. (Ord. 2010-834, 12-7-2010)