Eldridge City Zoning Code

§ 44.02

DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

SOLAR ACCESS. Unobstructed access to direct sunlight on a lot or building through the entire year, including access across adjacent parcel air rights, for the purpose of capturing direct sunlight to operate a solar energy system.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A device, array of devices, or structural design feature, the purpose of which is to provide for generation of electricity from sunlight, or the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, daylight for interior lighting, or water heating. Installation types are:

(1) BUILDING-INTEGRATED. An integral part of a principal or accessory building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.

(2) GROUND-MOUNT. A solar energy system mounted on a rack or pole that rests on or is attached to the ground and not a roof or exterior wall of a building. Ground-mount systems can be either accessory or principal uses.

(3) PARALLEL ROOF-MOUNT. A roof-mount solar energy system in which the solar panels are installed parallel to the roof underneath and no more than 12 inches from the surface of the roof. A parallel roof-mount system must not extend beyond the roof surface underneath it.

(4) ROOF-MOUNT. A solar energy system mounted on a rack that is fastened to or ballasted on a building roof. Roof-mount systems can be either accessory or principal uses.

(5) WALL-MOUNT. A solar energy system mounted on the side of a principal or accessory building usually, but not always, for the purpose of providing direct supplemental space heating by heating and recirculating conditioned building air.

SOLAR FARM. A commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity by means of photovoltaics (PV) for the primary purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity. A solar farm is the principal land use for the parcel on which it is located.

SOLAR GARDEN. A commercial solar-electric (photovoltaic) array that provides retail electric power (or a financial proxy for retail power) to multiple households or businesses residing or located off-site from the location of the solar energy system. A community solar system/solar garden is a principal use.