11-08-23 PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance 17 C. Solar-Ready Buildings – Model Community encourages builders to use solar-ready design in buildings. Buildings that submit a completed U.S. EPA Renewable Energy Ready Home Solar Photovoltaic Checklist (or other approved solar-ready standard) and associated documentation will be certified as a Model Community solar ready home, and are eligible for low-cost financing through Model Community’s Economic Development Authority. A designation that will be included in the permit home’s permit history. D. Solar Access Variance – When a developer requests a variance from Model Community’s subdivision solar access standards, the zoning administrator may grant an administrative exception from the solar access standards provided the applicant meets the conditions of 1. and 2. below: 1. Solar Access Lots Identified - At least __% of the lots, or a minimum of __ lots, are identified as solar development lots. 2. Covenant Assigned - Solar access lots are assigned a covenant that homes built upon these lots must include a solar energy system. Photovoltaic systems must be at least three (3) KW in capacity. 3. Additional Fees Waived - Model Community will waive any additional fees for filing of the covenant. Solar Ready Buildings New buildings can be built “solar-ready” at very low cost (in some cases the marginal cost is zero). Solar energy installation costs continue to decline in both real and absolute terms, and are already competitive with retail electric costs in many areas. If new buildings have a rooftop solar resource, it is likely that someone will want to put a solar energy system on the building in the future. A solar ready building greatly reduces the installation cost, both in terms of reducing labor costs of retrofits and by “pre-approving” most of the installation relative to building codes. A community’s housing and building stock is a form of infrastructure that, although built by the private sector, remains in the community when the homeowner or business leaves the community. Encouraging solar-ready construction ensures that current and future owners can take economic advantage of their solar resource when doing so makes the most sense for them. Solar Access Subdivision Design Some communities will require solar orientation in the subdivision ordinance, such as requiring an east-west street orientation within 20 degrees in order to maximize lot exposure to solar resources. However, many such requirements are difficult to meet due to site constraints or inconsistency with other requirements (such as connectivity with surrounding street networks). Rather than simply grant a variance, the community can add a condition that lots with good solar access actually be developed as solar homes.