Chapter 18.60 — RENEWABLE ENERGY—SOLAR

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the installation and use of solar energy technologies so as to maximize performance and efficiency and minimize visual intrusions on the surrounding built and natural environment.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

This chapter applies to all zoning districts in the city except open space (OS). Solar technologies may be installed in a designated historic district subject to administrative review by the development services director to ensure that the installation does not alter the character-defining features of historic resource values. Unless otherwise noted, the stipulations specified in this chapter apply within all relevant zoning districts.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.030 - Definitions.

"Building integrated technology." Building integrated technologies are those that are designed to be part of structural components. Building integrated solar technologies include solar roofing shingles and tiles, PV laminates that can be installed on metal roofing, and building integrated solar thermal systems.

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"Photovoltaic cell." Constructed of a silicon wafer, the PV cell is the smallest structural component of a photovoltaic module. A PV cell is designed to collect solar energy and transmit it as electricity.

"Photovoltaic panel." A group of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic panels can be square, rectangular, triangular, or custom shapes.

"Photovoltaic array." A group of linked photovoltaic panels.

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"Photovoltaic (PV) systems." Photovoltaic systems collect radiant solar energy by means of a variety of technologies, including crystalline silicon (within PV cells) and amorphous silicon (within flexible films). PV systems can be mounted on the ground, on buildings, and can be integrated into the building (see building integrated technology above).

"Solar thermal system." Solar thermal systems use solar energy to heat air or water for space heating or hot water use.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

A.

To maximize the effective collection of solar energy, install solar panels or tanks for solar thermal installations in a south-facing location. On buildings where a south-facing location is unavailable, panels may be mounted to face in the single best available southerly facing direction on an arc between east and west.

B.

Based on the city's latitude, fixed-angle solar panels should be mounted at a 31—32 degree angle to horizontal for greatest efficiency.

C.

Locate solar installations so as to minimize shading from nearby trees and buildings, and sections of the roof on which the solar panels are installed.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.050 - Minimize visibility of roof-mounted solar installations.

A.

Mount solar panels so as to minimize their visibility from the public right-of-way. Where suitable, the visibility of solar PV panels or solar thermal tanks may be reduced by installing them in one or more of the following locations:

1.

At or toward the rear of the building, away from the public street or walkway;

2.

On a flat roof;

3.

Behind a roof parapet that can screen the panel; and

4.

On an accessory building.

These techniques can be combined to minimize the visibility of roof-mounted solar installations.

B.

Use building-integrated solar systems, where appropriate, to incorporate efficient solar systems, while also minimizing the appearance of solar installations.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.060 - Panel arrangement of roof-mounted solar installations.

A.

To minimize the visibility of panels and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance, organize the panels on the roof to create simple, regularly shaped groups. Avoid breaking the panels into multiple groups or sections, where possible.

B.

Match panel arrays to the lines, slope, and proportion of the roof. Use the panels to cover the roof face, where possible.

C.

Apply the panels where there are minimal or no obstructions from mechanical equipment or skylights, or have the panels cut into custom shapes (such as triangular panels).

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.070 - Screening, color, and glare reduction of roof-mounted solar installations.

A.

Install system conduits and pipes in inconspicuous locations.

B.

Select a mounting frame color that is complementary to the roof and building colors.

C.

Avoid glare by selecting frames and panels with non-reflective surfaces.

D.

Install panels so that the angle of installation is oriented away from neighboring windows and highly visible areas.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.080 - Mounting equipment for roof-mounted solar installations.

A.

Solar panels and tanks for solar thermal systems must be mounted at a distance of no more than ten inches from the roof surface.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.60.090 - Solar installations on historic buildings.

A.

Solar technologies may be installed on non-historic buildings in a historic district in accordance with this section, which seek to maximize the performance of solar installations while also minimizing the visibility of solar installations from the public right-of-way.

B.

Solar installations may be installed on historic buildings where they do not alter the character-defining features of the building. Solar installations on historic buildings may include:

1.

PV panels located on an area of a pitched roof, or on a flat roof, or behind a roof parapet, that is not visible from the public right-of-way and does not structurally alter the historic building, and/or

2.

Use of building integrated solar technologies that are selected and installed in a manner consistent with the visual character of the historic building (for example, solar tiles on a building that historically included the use of tiles as a roofing material).

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017; Ord. No. 748, § 4, 5-15-2018)

A.

Apply the same measures identified in Section 18.60.040 for high performance of ground-mounted solar panels.

B.

To create a visually uniform appearance, install solar panels in organized, regularly patterned arrays.

C.

Avoid the use of racks and minimize the visibility of mounting frames by installing ground-mounted solar panels close to the ground.

D.

Screen solar arrays from the public right-of-way with landscaping or fencing in a manner that does not shade the solar panels.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017; Ord. No. 748, § 4, 5-15-2018)

Chapter 18.62 - RENEWABLE ENERGY—SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS