The document provides an overview of solar energy planning and zoning in North Carolina. It discusses the growth of the solar industry in the state and defines key solar technology terms. The summary is:
Solar energy development is growing rapidly in North Carolina, driven by falling costs and state incentives. There are two main types: solar photovoltaics (PV) convert sunlight to electricity, while solar thermal uses sunlight as heat. PV systems are composed of cells made into panels and arrays, which can be linked into large solar farms of multiple megawatts. Proper planning and zoning aims to facilitate responsible solar development while addressing potential land use impacts.
3. Contents
Acknowledgments iv
Introduction 1
Part I: Understanding Solar 3
North Carolina 3
Solar Basics 4
PV and Thermal 4
Cell, Panel, Array, Farm 4
Mounting and Tracking 6
Scale of Solar 7
Regulatory Context 9
Part II: Planning for Solar 10
The Local Plan 10
Public Opportunities 11
Streamlined Regulation 12
Incentives for Solar 12
Part III: Zoning for Solar 13
Zoning Considerations 13
Potential Land Use Impacts 14
Aesthetics 14
Noise 14
Stormwater 15
Glare 16
Safety 16
Operations 17
Property Value 18
Defining and Distinguishing Solar 18
Important Distinctions 19
Less Important Distinctions 19
Districts and Approval Procedure 20
Standards for Solar as a Principal Use 21
Height and Setbacks 22
Screening and Fencing 23
Design and Operations 24
Size 25
Decommissioning 25
Standards for Solar as an Accessory Use 26
Visibility 26
Roof-Mounted Accessory Solar 27
Ground-Mounted Accessory Solar 28
Is it Accessory? 30
Competing Interests 30
Screening Requirements 31
Tree Preservation 31
Historic Preservation 31
Part IV: Solar Access and Solar Siting 32
Solar Access 32
Solar Siting 33
Conclusion 35
Additional Resources 36
Zoning and Planning for Solar 36
Historic Preservation and Solar 36
Other Related Solar Resources 36
Local Ordinances and Plans Cited 37
4. Acknowledgments
This publication was enriched by informative site visits, generous comments, and insightful critiques. Among others, I thank the following individuals: Sam Beck, Clay County, North Carolina; Kyle Brown, Camp Lejeune; Tommy Cleveland, North Carolina Solar Center; Brandi Deese, City of Laurinburg, North Carolina; Miriam Makhyoun and Michael Fucci, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association; Michael McDonough; Greg Ness, FLS Energy; Gary Ouellete, City of Jacksonville, North Carolina; Autumn Radcliff, Henderson County, North Carolina; Lance Williams, Strata Solar. Additionally I thank my colleagues at the School of Government, especially David Owens and Richard Ducker, for their guidance and comments.