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 Harlem
 Code of Ordinances
 Part III. LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
 Chapter 110. SOLAR LAND USE

  § 110-5. Solar energy system structures and components.  

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  • The terms provided in this section include legal, scientific, technical, and other general terms that are referenced in the provisions of this chapter, for which the inclusion of a related definition may assist in the application, interpretation, and administration of the provisions of this section.

    (1)

    Building-mounted solar energy system. A solar energy system in which solar panels are mounted on top of a roof or on the side of a building. (See figures 2.4 A1 and A2.) Building-mounted systems may be flush-mounted or non-flush-mounted.

    110-5a.png

    Figures 2.4.A1 and 2.4.A2. Building-mounted examples.

    (2)

    Building-integrated solar energy system. A type of building-mounted system that is an integral part of a building rather than a separate device, replacing a typical component of a building. Examples include, but are not limited to, solar energy systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights and awnings. (See figures 2.4 B1 and B2.)

    110-5b.png

    Figures 2.4.B1 and 2.4.B2. Building-integrated examples

    (3)

    Ground-mounted solar collection system. Solar energy system that is directly installed in the ground and is not attached or affixed to an existing structure. This can include pole-mounted systems that allow for the tracking of the sun.

    110-5c.png

    (4)

    Parking-mounted solar collection system. A solar energy system that is installed above a paved surface vehicle parking area. Parking-mounted systems may cover any amount of parking spaces on a parcel but may not be installed in such a way that prevents the use of more than ten percent of existing spaces. (See figures 2.4 D1 and D2.) A system mounted on top of a parking garage would be considered a building-mounted system. Such systems cannot impact the minimum number of parking spaces or the dimensions of parking spaces as required by the city land use ordinance.

    110-5d.png

    Figures 2.4.D1 and 2.4.D2. Parking-mounted examples.

    (5)

    Solar panel. For the purpose of this chapter, a solar panel may refer to a solar module or surface component of a flat plate collector. Solar panels are meant to absorb, not reflect, sunlight.

    (6)

    Power inverter. A device that inverts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by a solar PV system into usable alternating current (AC).

    (7)

    Mechanical equipment related to solar energy systems. All items not listed in these definitions that are directly related to a construction and operation of a solar energy system including, but not limited to, on-site transmission lines, pumps, batteries, inverters, mounting brackets, framing, foundations or other structures, etc.

    (8)

    Off-grid solar photovoltaic system with battery back-up. Solar PV electricity system designed to operate independently from a local utility grid and provide electricity to a building, boat, recreational vehicle, sign, remote pump, gates, etc. These systems usually require a battery bank to store electricity generated by solar for use at night or a rainy day.

    110-5e.png

    Figures 2.4.D1 and 2.4.D2. Parking-mounted examples.

(Ord. No. 1802, § 156.005, 3-26-2018)