Solar Energy

The borough's municipal code allows accessory solar energy equipment in all districts, subject to standards, and include performance standards for the protection of solar access. It includes definitions for "solar energy equipment" and "solar panel" (§202).

It includes performance standards for protection of solar access (§612). This section provides a number of definitions related to solar access determination and sets height limitations in residential districts. Exemptions include existing structures, translucent structures, and structures that a shadow plan shows will not cast shadows impacting required solar access.

It also includes performance standards for solar energy equipment, which is permitted as an accessory structure subject to standards (§615). Standards address location, setback and height limit compliance, and glare. The ordinance sets a maximum output capacity of 50 kW for residential uses and 100 kW for noncommercial uses. Roof-mounted panels on the front-facing roof must be integrated with the roof surface or project no more than 6" above the surface, while panels on side- or rear-facing roofs may project up to 3' above the roof surface though not above the peak of the roof.