§ 154-76. Solar energy systems.

A. 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems within residential districts shall comply with § 154-21E.

B. 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems within nonresidential districts shall comply with the following standards:

(1) 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be installed only on the principal building of the property.

(2) 

A roof-mounted solar energy system shall be mounted parallel to the roof angle and shall not exceed a height of three feet above the edge of the roofline or above the highest point of the roof surface or structure.

(3) 

A roof-mounted solar energy system that is to be mounted on a flat roof may be angled to achieve maximum sun exposure, but shall not exceed five feet above the roof.

(4) 

In no instance shall any part of a roof-mounted solar energy system extend beyond the roof edge.

(5) 

An external disconnect switch shall be provided, and the owner must file a map with the Township Fire and Police Departments clearly showing where the disconnect switch is located. The location of the external disconnect switch must be reviewed and approved by both the Township Fire and Police Departments prior to installation.

(6) 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not be visible from ground level and adjacent streets or rights-of-way.

(7) 

Architectural renderings should be provided to illustrate anticipated visual impact from the proposed improvements.

(8) 

All electric lines/utility wires shall be buried underground, as applicable and by applicable regulation and/or Code. All electric lines/utility wires leading down the side of the structure from rooftop installations shall be placed and tacked as aesthetically as possible.

(9) 

The structural design of any solar energy system shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of New Jersey, certifying that the structural design complies with all of the standards set forth for safety and stability in all applicable codes then in effect in the State of New Jersey.

(10) 

The primary purpose of a solar energy system will be to provide power for the principal use of the property whereon said system is to be located and shall not be for the generation of power for commercial purposes for resale.

C. 

Ground-mounted solar energy systems within residential districts shall comply with § 154-21F.

D. 

Ground-mounted solar energy systems within nonresidential districts shall comply with § 154-21F and G as well as the following standards:

(1) 

Ground-mounted solar arrays shall comply with the setback and buffer requirements of the underlying zone.

(2) 

Section 154-21F(7) and (9) are not applicable.

(3) 

Shall be screened from off-site views.

(4) 

Solar panels shall not overhang drive aisles and circulation routes, however may be installed over parking spaces, provided a minimum of 14 feet of clearance is provided. Height warning signs shall also be installed.

Editor's Note: Former § 154-76, Conversion of dwellings into two- or three-family uses, was repealed 3-15-1993 by Ord. No. 1993-5.

Added 9-25-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-17; amended 2-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-6