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Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance 5 III. Definitions Agrivoltaics – A solar energy system co-located on the same parcel of land as agricultural production, including crop production, grazing, apiaries, or other agricultural products or services. Building-integrated Solar Energy Systems – A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings. Community-Scale Solar Energy System – A commercial solar energy system that converts sunlight into electricity for the primary purpose of serving electric demands off-site from the facility, either retail or wholesale. Community-scale systems are principal uses and projects typically cover less than 20 acres. Community Solar Garden – A solar energy system that provides retail electric power (or a financial proxy for retail power) to multiple community members or businesses residing or located off-site from the location of the solar energy system, consistent with Minn. Statutes 216B.1641 or successor statute. A community solar garden may be either an accessory or a principal use. Grid-intertie Solar Energy System – A photovoltaic solar energy system that is connected to an electric circuit served by an electric utility company. Ground-mount – A solar energy system mounted on a rack or pole that rests or is attached to the ground. Ground-mount systems can be either accessory or principal uses. Large-Scale Solar Energy System – A commercial solar energy system that converts sunlight into electricity for the primary purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity. A large-scale solar energy system will have a project size greater than 20 acres and is the principal land use for the parcel(s) on which it is located. Off-grid Solar Energy System – A photovoltaic solar energy system in which the circuits energized by the solar energy system are not electrically connected in any way to electric circuits that are served by an electric utility company. Passive Solar Energy System – A solar energy system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger. Photovoltaic System – A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity. Renewable Energy Easement, Solar Energy Easement – An easement that limits the height or location, or both, of permissible development on the burdened land in terms of a structure or vegetation, or both, for the purpose of providing access for the benefited land to wind or sunlight passing over the burdened land, as defined in Minn. Stat. 500.30 Subd. 3 or successor statute. Differentiating Solar Uses by Size Community-scale and Large-scale systems are defined here as occupying less than 20 acres and greater than 20 acres respectively. Some communities will use a lower number (ten acres) and some a higher number (up to 50 acres). An ex-urban city would use a lower number and a rural county could use a higher number. Community-scale is generally a size that can fit into the land use fabric of the community without assembly of separate parcels. Some communities have chosen not to distinguish between community- and large- scale, but use a single large-scale designation. Solar Definitions Not all these terms are used in this model ordinance, nor is this a complete list of solar definitions. As a community develops its own development standards for solar technology, many of the concepts defined here may be helpful in meeting local goals. For instance, solar daylighting devices may change the exterior appearance of the building, and the community may choose to distinguish between these devices and other architectural changes.