The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) "Alternative energy systems" shall refer to any structure, appurtenance, device, or compilation thereof used as part of a solar energy system, a geothermal energy system, outdoor generator units or outdoor furnaces or boilers or used to convert, generate, store or harness alternative energy sources, which include energy derived from a natural source, such as the sun, wind, or water, on site or for private use.
(b) "Closed loop system" shall refer to a geothermal energy system that uses a loop of buried pipe as a heat exchanger. Loops can be horizontal or vertical.
(c) "Geothermal energy system" shall refer to all underground piping, heat pumps, and any other associated appurtenances that harness the Earth's constant heat for heating and energy purposes.
(d) "Ground mounted solar energy system" shall refer to any solar energy system in which a solar energy device is permanently affixed or otherwise placed in any area other than the roof of a primary or accessory structure.
(e) "Open loop system" shall refer to a geothermal energy system that utilizes water from an open source, such as a well or pond, as a heat exchanger. The water is then discharged back into the original source or another open source.
(f) "Outdoor furnace (boiler)" shall refer to any device, appliance, or structure that is designed, intended and/or used to provide heat and/or hot water to any associated structure, and operates by burning wood or any other fuel.
(g) "Outdoor generator" shall refer to any outdoor device used for backup power or emergency power, including energy storage systems.
(h) "Roof mounted solar energy system" shall be any solar energy system in which a solar energy device is permanently affixed to the roof of a primary or accessory structure.
(i) "Solar energy device" shall be defined as solar photovoltaic panel, solar thermal panel or tubing or any similar device that relies on solar radiation as an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored heat.
(j) "Solar energy system" shall refer to any solar energy device and all associated appurtenances used for the purposes of heating and cooling or generating electricity for a primary or accessory structure.
(k) "Wind energy system" shall be defined as a device consisting of a wind turbine, which may be mounted on a tower or structure, and associated control or conversion electronics, which is intended primarily to reduce on site consumption of utility power.
(l) "Back-up power or emergency power" shall be defined as electricity generator, or a bank of batteries, that can provide a secondary source of mechanical or electrical power to operate critically important equipment when the primary source is disrupted or discontinued during a period of emergency due to a situation beyond the control of the owner/operator of the facility. A power source that serves as an energy or power source in circumstances other than for back-up power or emergency power situations or for standard testing, such as load shedding or peak shaving, shall not be considered as back-up power or emergency power.
(Ord. 2011-12. Passed 3-15-11.)