Solar Energy

The village's zoning regulations include a section on solar energy systems (Sec. 11-4-21). The section defines a number of sizes and types of solar energy systems. Large (principal) solar energy systems are prohibited within the village and within a 1.5-mile radius. Small systems are permitted in all districts subject to standards and with a building permit. Standards address color, uniform style, wiring, signage, lighting, glare, and other elements. The code provides additional standards for ground-mounted systems addressing size, setback, location, height, and soil conditions; additional standards for building-mounted systems address size, roof type, setbacks, height, area limitation, mounting location, and wind/weight resistance. Self-contained systems are permitted and subject to standards addressing setbacks, allowed yards, and size limitations. Systems are considered abandoned and a nuisance after 2 months of nonoperation and must be removed.