This Chapter shall be known and may be sited as the Dieterich Solar Energy Systems Regulations.

(Ord. 1158-2024, 4-1-2024)

   The purpose of this Chapter 12 is to establish reasonable and uniform regulations for the location, installation, operation and maintenance of Solar Energy Systems; to assure that any development and production of Solar Energy Systems is safe and to minimize any potentially adverse effects on the community; to promote the supply of sustainable and renewable energy resources, in support of national, state and local goals; and to facilitate energy cost savings and economic opportunities for residents and businesses situated within the corporate limits and or extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Village of Dieterich, Illinois. (Ord. 1158-2024, 4-1-2024)

   Solar Energy Systems may be erected or installed on properties within the corporate limits of the Village of Dieterich, Illinois, in accordance with this Chapter, as well as all State and Federal laws and regulations, as amended from time to time, concerning the use and operation of said Solar Energy System, and shall be further subject to the following standards:

   A.   Except as authorized by the Board of Trustees for public utility and/or public infrastructure purposes and except for Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems granted a special use permit under Section 10-3B-1, Solar Energy Systems shall only be permitted if accessory to a principal building and/or principal use.

   B.   Any person seeking to erect, construct, install, or maintain an interconnected Solar Energy System on property located within the corporate limits of the Village of Dieterich, Illinois, shall submit an application to the Village Clerk prior to the installation of any Solar Energy System. As part of the application, a person seeking to erect, construct, install, or maintain an interconnected Solar Energy System shall also submit a written narrative and/or graphic form, which includes all of the items below: 

      1.   Name, address, and telephone number of property owner;

      2.   Name, address, and telephone number of the installer of the Solar Energy System;

      3.   Description of the proposed Solar Energy System indicating the following:

         a.   Plan showing the proposed location of the Solar Energy System;

         b.   System dimensions and specifications;

         c.   Evidence showing compliance with all applicable setback requirements;

         d.   Evidence showing compliance with applicable setback and/or height regulations;

         e.   Distance to any roads or overhead utility lines; and,

         f.   Compliance with each regulation contained in this Chapter 12.

         g.   All Solar Arrays with building mounted inverters or arrays with inverters mounted on the array within ten (10) feet of a structure, shall comply with NEC 2020 rapid shut down requirements.

      4.   The permit application shall be supplemented by any specifications, plans, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Village Clerk; and,

      5.   An application shall be accompanied by a Twenty Dollar ($20.00) application fee, which shall be deposited with the Village Clerk.

   C.   Solar Energy Systems shall be installed according to manufacturer specifications and in accordance with all applicable building codes, electrical codes, fire codes, and other ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations pertaining to Small Solar Energy Systems.

   D.   Electric solar energy system components must have a UL listing.

   E.   Solar Energy Systems shall have a lockable, utility accessible, load breaking, manual disconnect switch, which can be utilized to connect and/or disconnect all electric solar energy system components. The manual disconnect switch shall be located not more than four (4) feet from the building’s electric service meter. The manual disconnect switch shall not be obstructed from access in any manner, including, but not limited to, landscaping, shrubs, trees, terraces, fencing, etc.

   F.   All Solar Energy Systems shall have the following caution labels installed and/or placed on said Solar Energy System:

      1.   A “Caution Solar Electric System” label shall be installed and/or placed adjacent to the manual disconnect switch;

      2.   “Caution Solar Circuit” directional labels shall be placed on any and all DC raceways and equipment and shall depict the direction of the electrical flow inside said raceway and/or other equipment. Said “Caution Solar Circuit” directional labels shall be located and spaced out not more than every ten (10) feet along said raceway; and,

      3.   All caution labels shall be weather resistant and reflective, with a red background and white lettering with a minimum of 3/8 inch lettering.

   G.   Reflection angles from Solar Collector Surfaces shall be oriented away from residential buildings.

   H.   Type Permitted and Maximum Roof Area:

      1.   Flush Mounted Solar Energy Systems (6" or less) are permitted to be installed on any roof area;

      2.   Non-Flush Mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted on a building with a flat roof if the Solar Collector Surface is completely screened from view to an observer five (5) feet above the ground at any point along an abutting property line;

      3.   Non-Flush Mounted Solar Energy Systems are prohibited on any roof that is adjacent to the front yard and/or corner side yard;

      4.   The Solar Collector Surface area shall be set back on the roof as follows:

         a.    Set back from the roof lower eves shall be no lower than six (6) inches from the shingle line;

         b.   Set back from the roof top edge (ridge) a minimum of two (2) feet;

         c.   Solar panels shall not extend past the roof edge on sides; and,

         d.   Set back from any roof equipment and/or other obstructions (examples: chimneys, exhaust fans, vents, etc.) a minimum of one (1) foot, except skylights shall have a minimum of two (2) feet;

   I.   Maximum Permitted Height & Building Projection/Extension:

      1.   The Solar Energy System shall conform to the height regulations of the zoning district in which the property where the Solar Energy System is to be installed, mounted, built is located;

      2.   Non-Flush Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall not extend above the highest point on the roof line; and,

      3.   Solar Energy Systems shall not project/extend beyond the exterior wall of any building on which said Solar Energy System has been installed, mounted, or built.

   J.   Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems. Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be prohibited in the Village of Dieterich, Illinois, except by the applicant securing a special use permit variance in accordance with Section 10-3B-1 of this Title 10.

   K.   Abandoned Systems. Any Solar Energy System that is inactive or inoperable for a period of twelve (12) continuous months shall be deemed abandoned. If the Solar Energy System is deemed abandoned, the owner is required to repair or remove the Solar Energy System from the property at the owner’s expense within ninety (90) days after notice from the Village.

(Ord. 1158-2024, 4-1-2024)