Solar Evaluation for Agricultural Land Sites
Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses in Ohio, offering numerous benefits for the environment and energy bills. However, before embarking on a solar energy project, it's essential to understand the local regulations and requirements. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process of installing on-site solar electric systems in Ohio.
Identifying Suitable Locations
Before installing a solar electric system, it's crucial to identify areas that are free from existing septic systems, replacement septic systems, and water wells to prevent potential issues. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed an electronic design tool called the PV Watts Calculator to help you determine the size and performance of a potential solar electric system for a specific address.
Zoning Regulations
Common zoning regulations for on-site solar electric systems in Ohio vary somewhat by locality, but some general patterns emerge. Solar energy systems are generally permitted in most zoning districts except for some special overlay districts. Roof-mounted solar systems must comply with existing zoning standards such as height, setback, and appearance rules.
Installation requires building and electrical permits and subsequent inspections to ensure safety and code compliance. Some Ohio counties and townships adopt neutral or supportive positions toward solar projects, while others may restrict or oppose new solar developments.
Site Considerations
To maximize the economic and energy production potential of an on-farm solar electric system, it's essential to identify a site with clear and unobstructed access to the sun for most or all of the day. Vegetation with a mature species height should adhere to a minimum distance-to-height ratio of 2.6 to the nearest point of the proposed array location.
Depending on the structure of a building, some roofs may need to be reinforced before the installation of a solar electric system. Ground mount systems are often located in rural areas with access to large open spaces.
Local Variability and Opposition
While some municipalities and townships in Ohio have adopted zoning ordinances to specifically address the development of on-site solar electric systems, others may have varying approaches. It's essential to consult your specific local zoning codes and permit offices to understand detailed requirements.
Solar Access Laws and Homeowners Associations
Although not zoning per se, solar access laws at the state level prevent Homeowners Associations (HOAs) from unreasonably restricting solar installations, while allowing reasonable aesthetic or safety restrictions. Property owners may also establish solar easements to protect system access.
System Size and Placement
A solar electric system will generally require 100 square feet of rooftop (or yard space) for every kilowatt of electricity produced. Solar panels should not be placed and arranged in a manner that reflects glare onto adjacent buildings, properties, or roadways. Solar systems shall be set back ten (10) feet from the side and rear lot line.
Ground mount systems should be located as close as possible to electricity infrastructure already in place to reduce the cost of transferring electricity from a remote location to a location with access to the grid. Ground mount solar systems shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.
Considerations for Farmers
Many farms have access to open rooftops and open spaces that appear to be compatible with solar power generation. Agricultural businesses are now taking advantage of policy incentives to substitute part of their energy needs with fixed-cost solar energy. If your property has not yet been subdivided, consider how the location of your solar system could influence future property sub-divisions from the parent parcel.
Structural Capacity Investigation
Before installing a solar system, a solar developer or a certified third-party professional should investigate and document the structural capacity of the roof and the current dead loads on the roof to ensure the roof can support the additional weight of the solar system.
Angle and Orientation
To maximize the output of a solar electric system, the system should have a clear view to the southern sky, oriented due south at an 1800 azimuth. In Ohio, the optimum angle for a fixed system is to tilt your panels on an angle similar to your site's latitude, minus 10 degrees.
In summary, on-site solar electric systems in Ohio are generally allowed with conditions such as compliance with district zoning rules (except for some overlays), required permits and inspections, and some local variability in restrictions or opposition. Homeowners and developers should consult their specific local zoning codes and permit offices to understand detailed requirements.
- To ensure the success of a solar electric system, it's important to check the soil quality and consult agricultural science when installing on a farm, as the system's performance can be affected by the soil's nutrient content and drainage properties.
- As part of conservation efforts, incorporating renewable-energy sources like solar into farming operations can help reduce the industry's carbon footprint and transition towards sustainable agriculture.
- Financial considerations are essential when planning a solar project, as environmental-science findings show that solar energy can result in long-term cost savings for homeowners and businesses through reduced energy bills.
- The farming community can also benefit from partnerships between the agricultural and renewable-energy industries, as these collaborations can lead to the development of innovative technologies and financing solutions to support the expansion of solar energy.
- By promoting sustainable practices within agriculture through solar energy, farmers can contribute to environmental conservation and the transition to a greener and more eco-friendly industry, ultimately benefiting the environment and the broader community.
