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Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance 6 Roof-mount – A solar energy system mounted on a rack that is fastened to or ballasted on a structure roof. Roof-mount systems are accessory to the principal use. Roof Pitch – The final exterior slope of a roof calculated by the rise over the run, typically but not exclusively expressed in twelfths such as 3/12, 9/12, 12/12. 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 Carport – A solar energy system of any size that is installed on a carport structure that is accessory to a parking area, and which may include electric vehicle supply equipment or energy storage facilities. Solar Collector – The panel or device in a solar energy system that collects solar radiant energy and transforms it into thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy. The collector does not include frames, supports, or mounting hardware. Solar Daylighting – Capturing and directing the visible light spectrum for use in illuminating interior building spaces in lieu of artificial lighting, usually by adding a device or design element to the building envelope. Solar Energy – Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of heat or light by a solar collector. Solar Energy System – A device, array of devices, or structural design feature, the purpose of which is to provide for generation or storage 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. Solar Hot Air System (also referred to as Solar Air Heat or Solar Furnace) – A solar energy system that includes a solar collector to provide direct supplemental space heating by heating and re-circulating conditioned building air. The most efficient performance includes a solar collector to preheat air or supplement building space heating, typically using a vertically-mounted collector on a south-facing wall. Solar Hot Water System – A system that includes a solar collector and a heat exchanger that heats or preheats water for building heating systems or other hot water needs, including residential domestic hot water and hot water for commercial processes. Solar Mounting Devices – Racking, frames, or other devices that allow the mounting of a solar collector onto a roof surface or the ground. Solar Resource – A view of the sun from a specific point on a lot or building that is not obscured by any vegetation, building, or object for a minimum of four hours between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM Standard time on all days of the year, and can be measured in annual watts per square meter. Solar Resource Understanding what defines a “solar resource” is foundational to how land use regulation affects solar development. Solar energy resources are not simply where sunlight falls. A solar resource has minimum spatial and temporal characteristics, and needs to be considered not only today but also into the future. Solar energy systems are economic only if the annual solar resource (measured in annual watts per square meter) are sufficiently high to justify the cost of installation. The resource is affected by the amount of annual shading, orientation of the panel, and typical atmospheric conditions. Solar resources on a particular site can be mapped and quantified, similar to quantifying other site resources that enhance property value; mineral resources, prime soils for agriculture, water, timber, habitat.