For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADJACENT. Lying near, close; contiguous; adjoining; neighboring.
ADJOINING. Being In contact at some point or line; contiguous; bordering.
BATTERY BACK-UP. A battery system that stores electrical energy from a solar PV system, making the electricity available for future use. A battery back-up system is common in off-grid systems and hybrid systems.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building rather than a separate mechanical device. This type of system replaces or substitutes for an architectural or structural component of the building. A building-integrated system includes, but is not limited to, a photovoltaic or hot water solar energy system that is contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
BUFFER. The required space between the solar energy equipment and structures and a property line or right-of-way on the SES-C site.
CONCENTRATED SOLAR THERMAL POWER SYSTEM. A solar energy system that uses lenses or mirrors, and often tracking systems, to focus or reflect a large area of sunlight into a small area. The concentrated energy is absorbed by a transfer fluid or gas and used as a heat source for either a conventional power plant or a power conversion unit.
GLARE, SOLAR GLARE. The potential for solar panels to reflect sunlight, with intensity sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.
GROUND-MOUNT SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is directly installed on specialized solar racking systems, which are attached to an anchor in the ground and wired to connect to an adjacent home, building or utility. A ground-mount system may be applicable when insufficient space, structural and shading issues, or other restrictions prohibit a rooftop solar system.
HYBRID SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM (AKA, GRID-TIED PV WITH BATTERY BACK-UP). A solar photovoltaic electricity generation system designed to serve the electricity needs of the building to which it is connected, thus offsetting a dwelling or business's electricity usage, while also utilizing a battery back-up in the event of a power outage. This is the only system that provides the ability to have power when the utility grid is down.
I.A.C. Indiana Administrative Code.
INDIANA ELECTRIC CODE. Identified in 675 I.A.C. 17.
INDIANA BUILDING CODE. Identified in 675 I.A.C. 13.
INVERTER. A device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by a solar photovoltaic system into usable alternating current (AC).
LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A commercial solar energy system that converts sunlight into electricity for the primary purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity. A large-scale solar energy system will have a project size of not less than 40 acres and is the principal land use for the parcel(s) on which it is located. It can include collection and feeder lines, substations, ancillary buildings, solar monitoring stations and accessory equipment or structures thereto, that capture and convert solar energy into electrical energy, primarily for use in locations other than where it is generated.
OFF-GRID SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM WITH BATTERY BACK-UP. A solar photovoltaic electricity system designed to operate independently from the local utility grid and provide electricity for noncommercial uses. This system typically requires a battery bank to store the solar-generated electricity for use during nighttime or cloudy weather.
PASSIVE SOLAR. Techniques, design, and materials designed to take advantage of the sun's position throughout the year (and the local climate) to heat, cool, and light a building with the sun.
PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A structure specifically designed to retain heat that is derived from solar energy.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM. A solar energy system that produces electricity using semiconductor devices, called photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. A PV system may be roof-mounted, ground-mounted, or pole-mounted.
PLAN ADMINISTRATOR. The departmental head of the Wayne County Planning and Zoning Office.
POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY SOLAR ENERGY. A community or large-scale solar energy system that meets the requirements of the 2020 Indiana Solar Site Pollinator Habitat Planning Scorecard, developed by Purdue University as a solar-pollinator standard designed for Midwestern ecosystems, soils, and habitat.
RACKING. A system of installation that securely attaches and anchors a solar energy system to structural sections of a roof-mounted or pole-mounted system.
ROOF-MOUNT SYSTEM (AKA ROOFTOP MOUNTED, BUILDING MOUNTED). A solar energy system consisting of solar panels installed directly on the roof of a home, commercial building, and/or an accessory structure. Solar panels are mounted and secured using racking systems. Roof- mount systems can be mounted flush with the roof or tilted toward the sun at an angle.
SES-C. See SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, COMMERCIAL (SES-C).
SES-C OPERATOR. The authorized person or entity responsible for the operation of the SES-C facility. The operator may or may not also be the SES-C owner.
SES-C OWNER. The person or entity who has legal ownership of the SES-C facility.
SES-NC. See SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, NON-COMMERCIAL (SES-NC).
SOLAR ACCESS. The ability of one property to continue to receive sunlight across property lines without obstruction from an adjacent property's buildings, foliage, or other impairment.
SOLAR ARRAY. Multiple solar panels combined to create one system.
SOLAR CARPORT. A solar energy system of any size that is installed on a carport structure that is accessory to a parking area, and which may Include electric vehicle supply equipment or energy storage facilities.
SOLAR COLLECTOR. A solar PV cell, panel, or array, or solar thermal collector device that relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored heat.
SOLAR EASEMENT. An easement recorded pursuant to I.C. 32-23-4, obtained to ensure exposure of a solar energy device or a passive solar energy system to the direct rays of the sun.
SOLAR ENERGY. Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of heat or light by a solar collector.
SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE. An instrument or the equipment designed to receive the direct rays of the sun and convert the rays into heat, electricity, or another form of energy to provide heating, cooling, or electrical power.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES). The components and subsystems required to convert solar energy into electric or thermal energy suitable for use. The area of the system includes all the land inside the perimeter of the system, which extends to any fencing, buffer, and landscaping. The term applies to, but is not limited to, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, solar thermal system, and solar hot water system. A regulated system fits into one of two system types: Commercial (SES-C) or Noncommercial (SES-NC).
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, COMMERCIAL (SES-C). A utility-scale commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity with the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales of generated electricity (see LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM).
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, NONCOMMERCIAL (SES-NC). A photovoltaic, solar thermal, or solar hot water device that is accessory to, and incorporated into the development of an authorized use of the property, and which is designed for the purpose of reducing or meeting on-site energy needs.
SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM. See SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM.
SOLAR PANEL. A device for the direct conversion of sunlight into useable solar energy (including electricity or heat).
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) SYSTEM. A solar energy system consisting of photovoltaic cells, made with semiconducting materials, which produce electricity when exposed to sunlight.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM (AKA, SOLAR HOT WATER OR SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM). A solar energy system that directly heats water or other liquid using sunlight. The heated liquid is used for such purposes as space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and heating pool water.
WALL-MOUNTED SYSTEM. A solar energy system consisting of solar panels installed directly on the exterior wall(s) of a home, commercial building, and/or an accessory structure. Wall-mounted solar panels are typically installed as modules on a south-facing wall.
VISUAL BARRIER. A density of landscaping equal to Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae spaced four feet apart which initial planting size and density is expected to attain a height of seven feet in three years under normal growing conditions. A minimum height of 15 feet is to be maintained thereafter. The intent is to completely exclude visual contact with solar panels and equipment.
(Ord. 2023-01, passed 4-12-2023)