Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated, unless the context or subject matter requires
otherwise.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Structures, equipment, devices or construction techniques
used for the production of heat, light, cooling, electricity or other
forms of energy on site and which may be attached to or separate from
the principal structure.
COLLECTIVE SOLAR
Solar installations owned collectively through subdivision
homeowner associations, college student groups, "adopt-a-solar-panel"
programs, or other similar arrangements.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL
A photovoltaic panel or tile that is installed flush to the
surface of a roof and which cannot be angled or raised.
FREESTANDING OR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is directly installed in the ground
and is not attached or affixed to an existing structure. Pole-mounted
solar energy systems shall be considered freestanding or ground-mounted
solar energy systems for purposes of this chapter.
NET METERING
A billing arrangement that allows solar customers to get
credit for excess electricity that they generate and deliver back
to the grid so that they only pay for their net electricity usage
at the end of the month.
PERMIT GRANTING AUTHORITY
The Town Code Enforcement Department, which is charged with
granting permits for the operation of solar energy systems.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use
of semiconductor devices, called "photovoltaic cells," that generate
electricity whenever light strikes them.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER
A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction
and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and
has received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who
are on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers maintained by
the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
or who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board
of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), shall be deemed to be
qualified solar installers for the purposes of this definition. Persons
who are not on NYSERDA's list of eligible installers or NABCEP's
list of certified installers may be deemed to be qualified solar installers
if the Town Code Enforcement Officer or such other Town officer or
employee as the Town Board designates determines such persons have
had adequate training to determine the degree and extent of the hazard
and the personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to
perform the installation safely. Such training shall include the proper
use of special precautionary techniques and personal protective equipment,
as well as the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed
energized parts from other parts of electrical equipment and to determine
the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
ROOFTOP OR BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEM
A solar power system in which solar panels are mounted on
top of the structure of a roof either as a flush-mounted system or
as modules fixed to frames which can/may be tilted toward the south
at an optimal angle.
SETBACK
The distance from a front lot line, side lot line or rear
lot line of a parcel within which a freestanding or ground-mounted
solar energy system is installed.
SMALL-SCALE SOLAR
For purposes of this chapter, the term "small-scale solar
energy system" is an accessory use or structure, designed and intended
to generate energy for a principal use located on site. Excess energy,
if produced, may be sold to a utility under a net metering agreement.
The overall surface area of solar collectors which are 5,000 square
feet or less.
SOLAR ACCESS
Space open to the sun and clear of overhangs or shade, which
should include the orientation of streets and lots to the sun so as
to permit the use of active and/or passive solar energy systems on
individual properties.
SOLAR COLLECTOR
A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot
air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as
an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of
stored heat.
SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT/SYSTEM
Solar collectors, controls, energy storage devices, heat
pumps, heat exchangers, and other materials, hardware or equipment
necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted
into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation
and distributed. Solar systems include solar thermal, photovoltaic
and concentrated solar. For the purposes of this chapter, a solar
energy system does not include any solar energy system of four square
feet in size or less.
SOLAR FARM or SOLAR POWER PLANT
Energy generation facility or area of land principally used
to convert solar energy to electricity, whether by photovoltaics,
concentrating solar thermal devices or various experimental solar
technologies, with the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales
of electricity.
SOLAR PANEL
A device for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity.
SOLAR STORAGE BATTERY
A device that stores energy from the sun and makes it available
in an electrical form.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Solar thermal systems directly heat 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.