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Discussion on considerations and best practices for permitting and siting of solar energy facilities.
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Welcome, and thank you for your participation!
Thanks to our Sponsors and
Partner!
Forum on Solar Energy Siting
and Permitting in North Carolina
Bringing government, industry, and the public together to make North Carolina a leader in solar energy development
Michael Fucci
MPP Candidate, Duke University
NC Sustainable Energy Association,
Office: (919)-832-7601 x132
Miriam Makhyoun
Manager of Market Intelligence,
NC Sustainable Energy
Association
Office: (919)-832-7601 x114
Tommy Cleveland, PE
Solar Energy Engineer
North Carolina Solar Center
Office: (919)-515-9432
NC Registered Solar PV
21
Megawatts (MW) of Registered Solar PV Capacity in North Carolina Expected Online from 2006-2012
Expected Capacity Number of Solar PV System Capacity
Year Online MW DC (a) Systems 10 kW or
Less
Greater than
10 kW
through 500
kW
Greater than
500 and
under 1 MW
1 MW and
Greater
2006 0.26 24 22 2 0 0
2007 0.32 54 50 4 0 0
2008 5.49 116 105 7 1 3
2009 25.88 197 167 24 1 5
2010 28.43 351 283 57 2 9
2011 91.59 505 379 107 6 13
2012 407.45 638 483 64 13 78
TOTAL 559.42 1,885 1,489 265 23 108
Notes: (a) Solar PV systems produce electricity in direct current (DC), which is converted by inverters to alternating current (AC), the typical
current used throughout the U.S. electric grid. As a result, it is normal industry practice to report solar PV capacity in DC units. For the
purpose of this report, for systems registered with AC capacity and an unknown DC capacity an 84% derate factor was assumed.
500 MW produces 717,300 MWh a year—enough to power over 59,775
homes! This equates to the displacement of 44,829 tons of CO2 equivalent a
year or the planting of 224,145 trees per year!
Sources: North Carolina Utilities Commission, Carbonify, National Renewable Energy Laboratory System Advisor Model
501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1978
No direct state appropriations, nor federal funding
Membership organization of individuals, businesses,
government and nonprofits
Team of expert staff, volunteers and Board of Directors
Statewide presence
For more info visit: ENERGYNC.ORG
Who We Are
Public Policy - Market Intelligence - Education
5
About the NC Solar Center
• Created in 1988, operated by the
College of Engineering at NCSU
• Sponsored by the N.C. State
Energy Office, the U.S. DOE, and
the NC Solar Center Foundation.
• Serves as a clearinghouse for solar
and other renewable energy
programs, information, research,
technical assistance, and training
for the citizens of North Carolina
and beyond.
Advancing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Economy
Agenda
• Legal: Katherine E. Ross/Associate, Parker Poe Attorneys
• Planning: Ken Krulik, Planning Director, Warren County Planning, Zoning & Code Enforcement
• Geotechnical/Environmental: Ryan Conchilla, Environmental Project Manager, ECS Carolinas
• Agriculture: Paul Sherman, Air & Energy Programs Director, NC Farm Bureau Federation
• Forestry: Mark A. Megalos, Extension Associate Professor, NC State University, College of Natural Resources
• Break and Refreshments
• Panel Discussion: Katherine Ross, Ryan Conchilla, Paul Sherman, Ken Krulik & Frances Bisby (Landowner of Leased Solar Project)
• Final Thoughts
Future Fora
Public Forum # 2:
Tuesday, June 27, 2013 | 4:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Proximity Hotel, 704 Green Valley Road
Greensboro, NC 27408
Public Forum # 3:
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Carolina Civic Center, 315 North Chestnut Street
Lumberton, NC 28359
Public Forum # 4:
Thursday, August 8, 2013 |
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, The
Venue, 21 N Market St
Asheville, NC 28801
Public Forum # 5:
Charlotte – late October,
location TBD
Forum Objectives
• What today is: • Discussion on considerations and best
practices for permitting and siting of solar
energy facilities
• What today is not: • A forum to discuss case-by-case issues
pertaining to leasing, contracts, financing, etc.
Solar Thermal vs. PV
Thermal
• Heats water instead of
creating electricity
• Slightly thicker panels
than PV
Photovoltaic (PV)
• Converts sunlight into
electricity
Different Project Types
6.4 MW Project on Fuquay Farms, NC- Strata Solar
4 kW rooftop solar array- Morganton, NC
1 MW commercial rooftop project on
an IKEA in Charlotte, NC- Strata
Solar
Wake Co. Examples
1. Residential Rooftop • 2 kW
• 8-10 panels
2. Commercial Rooftop • 974 kW
• ~4,000 panels
• ~5.8 acres
3. Utility Ground-mount • 2.2 MW
• ~8,800 panels
• ~13 acres of land
2.2 MW Project in Wake Co.
Solar Photovoltaic Installed Cost per Watt
*Sources: North Carolina Utilities Commission, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association a) Barbose et. al, Tracking the Sun, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2012
Year
≤5 kW
(Media
n)
5-10 kW
(Median)
10-150
kW
(Median)
150-1000
kW
(Median)
>1000
kW
(Median)
Comparison
with selected
data
2006 10.00 * * * * $8.70(a)
2007 10.03 * * * * $8.80(a)
2008 8.93 8.76 * * * $8.40(a)
2009 8.48 7.66 7.50 * * $8.10(a)
2010 7.00 6.28 6.02 * * $6.90(a)
2011 6.76 6.03 5.02 4.49 4.35 $6.10(a)
2012 6.27 5.13 4.95 3.75 3.54
North Carolina Leads in Solar
• 501 solar companies,
employing about
2,000 people
• North Carolina
Ranked 6th in nation
for solar with 229 MW
installed capacity and
5th for annual capacity
in 2012 with 132 MW
• Mostly from utility-
scale projects
Source: SEIA/GTM Research “U.S. Solar Market Insight 2012 Year-In-Review
New Mexico
Hawaii
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
North Carolina
Colorado
Nevada
New Jersey
Arizona
California
190
191
196
198
229
270
403
971
1097
2901
Cumulative Installed Capacity (MW) as of 2012**
Local Experience
Moore County
• Rejected proposed
ordinance regulating solar
farm development
• Creates an effective
moratorium on large-scale
development
• Board disagreed with
federal and state
subsidies.
Huntersville
• Classifies solar into
major/minor projects
• Minor- onsite, secondary use
• Major- offsite, primary use
• Different standards for
major/minor projects
• Specified location and
height requirements for
both rooftop and ground-
mounted systems
• 50 Ordinances on Co.
and/or city level
• Solar energy not
uniformly regulated
• Major discrepancies
between various county
and city ordinances
• Makes development
more difficult and less
attractive to potential
investors
• Ensure protection of
valued ideals
Current NC Ordinances
NC Ordinance Status
General Findings
Total Ordinances 50
County Ordinances 16
City Ordinances 34
Zoning District Differentiation
Ordinances that specify solar development standards for each zoning district 12
Differentiation of mount type
Ordinances that differeniate between freestanding and rooftop systems 11
Height Restrictions
Ordinances that specify height restriction 21
Surface Area Restrictions
Ordinances explicitly mentioning coverage (roof or ground-mounted) 19
Setback Requirements
Ordinances explicitly mentioning solar setbacks 22
What is a Template Ordinance?
• Creates a unified approach towards solar development
• Establishes easily adopted language for local governments to implement
• Includes provisions and law that addresses concerns relevant to North Carolina
• Makes suggestions to local governments about appropriate regulatory standards for solar development
Key Issues for Regulating Solar
1. Defining Solar • Types of production and consumption
2. Defining Use • Primary, secondary, accessory, etc.
3. Defining Zoning Districts
4. Land-Use
5. Permit Type
6. Setbacks
7. Height Restrictions
8. Surface Area/ Property Coverage
9. Location/Visibility/Fencing
Introducing..
Katherine Ross!
Parker Poe Attorneys
Forum on Solar Development & Siting in North Carolina
Legal Considerations
Katherine E. Ross
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
Local Government Approvals
21
NC General Statutes
NCGS §§ 153A-340 and 160A-340
The purpose of zoning it to regulate uses.
A use may be allowed by right in certain zones and by permit in others.
The ordinance sets out the standards for granting the permit.
22
Zoning Process
Special/Conditional Use Permit
23
Quasi-Judicial
Decision-making board acts essentially as a court of law
Board will conduct evidentiary hearing, then make decision by evaluating evidence against criteria articulated in zoning ordinance
Witnesses are sworn and subject to cross examination
Only consider evidence presented at hearing
Findings must be based on competent, material and substantial evidence
No ex parte communications
24
GENERAL CRITERIA
(1) not endanger public health or safety
(2) not substantially injure the value of adjoining properties
(3) in harmony with the character of the surrounding area
(4) meet all required specifications
25
USE SPECIFIC CRITERIA
setbacks
screening/fencing
height
signage
decommissioning
A Model Ordinance…
Has no legal authority
Provides guidance to local governments that want to develop siting rules
Provides a model that protects communities and promotes the development of solar facilities
Provides clear, measurable standards
Introducing…
Ken Krulik!
Planning Director,
Warren County Planning,
Zoning & Code Enforcement
Forum on Solar
Development & Siting in
North Carolina
May 31, 2013
Warren County, NC
Sites and Permitting
Review/Process
Warren County, NC ……..
• Tier 1 County, predominantly agricultural.
• Three incorporated municipalities:
Warrenton, Norlina and Macon.
• Population of 20,962 with a land area of 444
square miles (15 square miles of water
inclusive of Kerr Lake and lake Gaston) .
• Rural county with low-population density.
There are TWO Warren Counties…..
• Zoned (areas of Kerr Lake & Lake Gaston) and un-
zoned (everywhere else - minus the Towns of
Warrenton and Norlina).
Solar Farm Permit Requirements
UN-ZONED AREAS (SIMPLE process)
• Apply for and obtain an E-911 address (police, fire and rescue
need to know where to go for an emergency).
• Development permit ($50.00).
• Building permit ($60.00 non-residential electrical permit).
• Erosion and sedimentation control plan (permit approval) from
NC-DENR Land Quality Section (sites are more than one-acre
of land disturbance) – approval letter/permit to the Warren
County Planning and Zoning Administrator.
• NC-DOT driveway permit – approval letter/permit to the
Warren County Planning and Zoning Administrator.
• BUT, if a solar farm locates in a zoned area (closest approximate
use = “radio, television, microwave towers, electric substations,
high voltage power lines, transmission towers cell towers, relay
stations, office and studios in conjunction with these”)
……………..
Solar Farm Permit Requirements
ZONED AREAS (a little LESS simple)
• Permitted (with a zoning permit) in AR zoning districts.
• Requires a CU permit (w/BOA approval) in these districts: LB
(Lakeside Business), NB (Neighborhood Business), HB (Heavy
Business), LI (Light Industrial) and HI (Heavy Industrial).
• Apply for and obtain an E-911 address (police, fire and rescue
STILL need to know where to go for emergencies).
• Zoning permit ($75.00), unless a CU permit required ($250.00).
• Building permit ($60.00 non-residential electrical permit).
• Erosion and sedimentation control plan (permit approval) from
NC-DENR Land Quality Section (sites are more than one-acre
of land disturbance) – approval letter/permit to the Warren
County Planning and Zoning Administrator.
• NC-DOT driveway permit – approval letter/permit to the
Warren County Planning and Zoning Administrator.
Solar Farm CU Permit
Requirements ZONED AREAS
• Towers shall not interfere with normal radio and television reception in the vicinity. Commercial messages shall not be displayed on any tower. Violations shall be considered
zoning violations and shall be corrected under the enforcement provisions.
• Lighting shall not exceed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) minimum if lighting is required by the FAA. The lights shall be oriented so as not to project directly onto
surrounding residential property, consistent with FAA requirements. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall be required to submit documentation from the FAA
that the lighting is the minimum lighting required by the FAA.
• Towers shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with all applicable building code requirements.
• In order to protect the public from unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic radiation, the tower owner shall provide appropriate Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC)
documentation indicating that the power output levels do not exceed federally approved levels.
• In allowed districts, towers of seventy five (75) feet or more require that a Conditional Use Permit be granted by the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment may consider
variances up to ten percent (10%) of the setback requirements for such towers as a part of the Conditional Use Permit approval.
• To encourage shared use of towers, no new tower shall be located within one (1) mile of an existing tower. The Board of Adjustment may allow a tower to be placed within one (1)
mile of an existing tower upon being presented written documentation that (1) appropriate space on the tower is not available, (2) the new sponsor has made good faith efforts to
negotiate an agreement with the owner of the current tower, or (3) equipment currently on the tower is not compatible with the proposed equipment. If the petitioner cannot locate
on an existing tower and a new tower has to be constructed, the height of the tower cannot exceed two hundred (200) feet.
• All new towers shall be constructed to be able to accommodate at least two users so that future co-location will be available. In addition, reasonable accommodation for public
service uses is recommended.
• Towers shall conform to the following dimensional requirements: (1) With the exception of concealed towers, such structures may not be located on top of structures in any
residential district. Towers which are located on top of structures in nonresidential districts which are not tower accessory structures shall not be more than seventy five (75) feet
above the top of the structure. The structure shall meet the normal setbacks of the zone. (2) Those located on the ground or top of a tower accessory structure are required to
incorporate a fall zone buffer which is a land buffer around a tower base to provide for containment of the tower to the site in the event that it falls.
• To encourage shared use of towers, applications for towers which will operate with more than one user, immediately upon completion may reduce setbacks from adjacent
nonresidential property. The setback from adjacent nonresidential property may be reduced by twenty five percent (25%) when two users occupy the tower immediately upon its
completion, or reduced by fifty percent (50%) when three or more users commit to occupy the tower immediately upon its completion. However, the required setback distance
may not be reduced to less than fifty (50) feet. The reductions do not apply if the tower adjoins a residential zone on any s ide and a fall zone buffer as identified in this ordinance
shall be required.
• No setbacks shall be required if the tower is to be located on an existing structure, and a fall zone buffer as identified in this ordinance shall be required.
• Towers (with the exception of concealed towers) where allowed in residential districts shall conform to the following additional setback requirements:: 1) To prevent a clear view of
the base of the tower, the setback shall contain an established forested area with a depth of at least one hundred (100) feet . (2) When the one hundred (100) foot forested area
requirement note above cannot be met, a natural buffer shall be provided as required in this ordinance. (3) The Board of Adjustment, when deciding the Conditional Use Permit,
may reduce the setback adjacent to nonresidential property upon consideration of circumstances which reduce the offsite effects of the tower such as topography, berms, the
proximity of other existing or potential uses, and existing vegetation and improvements made to the site to obscure or reduce the visibility of the tower (a fall zone buffer as
identified in this ordinance shall be required).. (4) The Board of Adjustment shall not reduce the required setback from adjacent property which has residential use.
• No outdoor storage yards shall be allowed on tower sites, storage buildings that are secondary and/or incidental to the primary use of the site are allowed within the provisions of the
designated zoning category.
• The base of the tower, any guy wires, and any associated structures, walls or fences shall be surrounded by a landscaped buffer. The developer may have the option of: (1) providing
a buffer around the tower base and associated items individually or (2) providing a buffer around the perimeter of the entire site. A ten (10) foot vegetative buffer shall be provided
between the tower and the property boundaries in all zones other than residential. In all residential zones, the vegetative buffer shall be a minimum of twenty five (25) feet in width.
• ETC, ETC, (more pages in the Zoning Ordinance)………...
Buffer Requirements
ZONED AREAS (all uses) • Buffers are those features that preserve existing vegetation and minimize
potential erosion by providing a natural buffer ( PB/BOA may allow
appropriate existing vegetation to substitute for landscape requirements ).
• Buffers are permitted to be located within the setbacks (minimum yards) of
the development or individual lot/parcel for the respective zoning district (a
buffer is not in addition to the setback requirements).
• If a lot or parcel adjacent to new development is vacant, then no buffer is
required, except when it’s required for specific protection of natural
resources per Warren County regulations and/or NC-DENR regulations.
• Between incompatible land uses the developer shall either maintain to the
maximum extent feasible a twenty foot (20’) buffer of undisturbed natural
area or provide an appropriate level of vegetative replanting as determined
by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
• If the new development incorporates a solid wall, opaque wood fence or
other approved materials is proposed then a fifty percent (50%) reduction is
to be allowed in the depth of the buffer and plant material.
• Buffers shall leave space for an ingress /egress and shall be maintained
(damage to the buffer shall be remedied within 14 days).
Warren County
Solar Farm Locations
• Three (one completed, one under construction,
one in pre-construction)
• Two in the un-zoned areas of the County (had
the “easy” process) and one is located in the
Town of Warrenton’s ETJ (their authority).
• Companies are Strata Solar, LLC and
HelioSage.
• Two potential additional sites based on
property owner inquiries.
Solar Farm Site Locations
Strata Solar
US Highway 158 – Warrenton ETJ
• All zoning authority/permitting through the Town
of Warrenton – R20 District (building permit
issued by Warren County).
• “Utilities” use requires a special use permit
(Warrenton SU #303-BOA approved 5/14/12).
• Site is 32 acres leased for the solar farm out of 145
total acres.
• 5.58 MW system with 23,520 modules (panels) on
mounted racking system (supports are posts driven
into ground – avg. 8 ft. depth).
Strata Solar - Airport Road
• Warren County development permit, building
permit, NC-DENR approval and NC-DOT
approval.
• Site is 33 acres leased for the solar farm out of 325
total acres.
• 5 MW system with 21,660 modules (panels – fewer
# due to higher wattage panels) on mounted
racking system (supports are posts driven into
ground – avg. 8 ft. depth).
HelioSage – Red Hill Loop Road
• Warren County development permit,
building permit, NC-DENR approval and
NC-DOT approval.
• Site is approx. 50 acres leased for the solar
farm out of 283 total acres.
• 5 MW system with 22,000 modules (panels)
Contact Information
• Ken Krulik, Planning and Zoning
Administrator - Warren County
Planning/Zoning and Code
Enforcement Department
• 252-257-7027
Introducing…
Ryan Conchilla!
Environmental Project Manager,
ECS Carolinas
Environmental Considerations During
Property Development
Presentation to Solar Development and Sitting in
North Carolina
May 31, 2013
Environmental Considerations During Property
Development
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Wetlands/Streams Delineation
Endangered Species/Cultural Resources Review
Hypothetical Site for Development
Phase I Environmental Assessment
First Step in Identifying Environmental Risk
Includes:
Site reconnaissance,
Historical review of property usage
Historical regulatory review
Interviews of knowledgeable persons
Identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)
Site Reconnaissance
Historical Property Usage
Review Aerial Photographs
City Directories
Fire Insurance (Sanborn) Maps
Topographic Maps
RECs Associated with “Undeveloped
Properties”
Underground and Above Ground Storage Tanks (USTs/ASTs):
Fueling trucks and tractors
Heating oil
Propane tanks
Chemical Storage and Usage
Pesticides and herbicides
Garage or Mechanical Areas
Oils, grease, hydraulic fluid, parts cleaners
Farm Trash “Dump”
RECs Associated with “Undeveloped Properties”
USTs and ASTs
RECs Associated with “Undeveloped Properties”
Drums/Buckets
Time and Budget
Phase I ESA- 3 Weeks
$1,800 to $25,000 Depending on Size and
Location
Wetlands/Streams
Hypothetical Site for Development
Stream Determination
What is a Stream?
Ordinary High Water Mark (OHW)
Defined Bed and Bank
Aquatic Habitat
Flowing Water
Stream Determination
Identification Of Wetlands
What Defines a Wetland?
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Wetland Hydrology Hydric Soils
Identification Of Wetlands
Hydric Soil
Regulations
Nationwide Permit
Pre-1997 1 to 10 acres of wetlands
1997-2000 Up to 3 acres of wetlands and up to 500’ of stream
2000+ Up to 1/2 acre of wetlands and up to 300’ of stream
Impact On Development
Impact On Development
Impact On Development Before 1997
Impact On Development 1997-2000
Impact On Development 2000+
Other Considerations
State Mandated Buffers
Neuse River
Randleman
Jordan
Tar/Pamlico
Catawba
Cape Fear
Cultural Resources
Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Mapped Historic Properties
Historic Buildings
Native American Sites
Cemeteries
Required as Part of Stream/Wetlands Permitting
Cannot be Disturbed
Evaluating Cultural Resources
Initial Inquiry with SHPO - 4 Weeks
If Issue – Phase I Archeological
If Findings – Phase II Archeological
Endangered Species
Endangered Species
Federal Endangered Species Act Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals
Varies by Geographic Region Red Cockaded Woodpecker Bog Turtle Schweinitzii Sunflower Bald Eagle Various fresh water Mussels Carolina Darter
Evaluating Endangered Species
Review Natural Heritage Program List per County
Identify Potential Habitat
Send Inquiry to U.S. Fish and Wildlife
May Require Full Evaluation
Questions?
Thank you!
ECS Values
Innovation
Expertise
Commitment
Communication
Relationship
ECS Carolinas, LLP
Geotechnical Engineering – Construction Materials Testing and Special
Inspections Environmental Services – Facilities Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Why perform a subsurface exploration?
Identify conditions which may impact site development
• Rock
• Groundwater
• Soft Soils
• Lightweight Silt
• Clayey Soils
• Existing Fill
Subsurface Explorations
Soil Test Borings
Subsurface Exploration
Split Spoon Soil
Samples
ECS Geotechnical Engineering
The following services can be provided for solar panel sites:
Project description;
Field observations to include site conditions, vegetation, subsurface
conditions, groundwater, surface water, potential post advancement
obstructions;
Field soil classification (USCS – visual manual);
Location of bulk soil sample collection;
Vertical pull-out capacity and lateral load test capacity test data;
Summary of laboratory test results including pH, electrical resistivity,
sulfate and chloride content, USCS lab classification, and Atterberg
limits.
Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical
Reporting
Introduction
Exploration Procedures
Exploration Results
Analyses and
Recommendations
Boring Log
Questions?
Thank you!
Introducing…
Paul Sherman!
Air & Energy Programs Director,
NC Farm Bureau Federation
Introducing…
Mark Megalos
Extension Associate Professor,
NC State University,
College of Natural Resources
Forestry Considerations:
SOLAR CENTER Renewable Energy Association
Mark Megalos
5/31/2013
Guiding Principles for Forestry • Seek out marginal, Low-productivity sites
• Focus on Thin, Droughty, Eroded Soils
• South-facing Slopes, ( SE↔SW)
• Avoid Wetland and Sensitive Areas
• Seek out willing landowners
• Target Poor or non-traditional Wood Market Areas
Is there a plan for addressing the Food/Fiber Offset?
Other Considerations for Forestry
• BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES for W Q
• Soil Disturbance-
– Site plan?
– Erosion control plan?
• Dealing with Vegetation
• Post-production Reclamation
• Economics will rule the day!
Understanding the PUV Program
• Deferred rates for Productive Land Uses
• Ag, Hort and Forestry
• 10, 5 and 20 Acre Minimums
• Solar must play within that context
(examples from recent NC DOR trainings)
Present-Use Value Business Entity Ownership Issue
• For property owned by a business entity that may convert some of the property to a solar farm the “principal business” requirement still applies.
• So, the income from the farming and solar farm may need to be reviewed to determine if the property still qualifies for present-use value.
Present-Use Value Assuming Property is in PUV
• Land that is in present-use value program and the land is sold to a non-qualifying owner the rollback will be due.
• Land is no longer in production of agricultural, horticultural or forest land the rollback will be due. This could be any fenced off area or base area of wind turbine.
Solar Farming, Sheep and Present-Use Value
• Can sheep and solar farms exist in present-use value?
• If the land that is converted to a solar farm and stays in production raising sheep, then our opinion is yes.
• This is to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
• Other animals may qualify, currently we are only aware of situations where sheep are being used.
What Livestocking is Acceptable
What’s Ag vs. Industrial?
Just to Clarify the Issue.
• Solar panels are high enough off the ground for animals to freely graze under.
• Fencing is around the perimeter of the solar farm is okay. Fencing which prevents the animals from grazing under the panels is not.
• This only relates to production, assuming that all other requirements of PUV have been met.
Solar Farms and Sheep
Solar Farms and Sheep
NO DOUBLE JEOPARDY • Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
Statute 105-277(g) (g) Buildings equipped with a solar energy heating or cooling system, or both, are hereby designated a special class of property under authority of Article V, Sec. 2(2) of the North Carolina Constitution. Such buildings shall be assessed for taxation in accordance with each county's schedules of value for buildings equipped with conventional heating or cooling systems and no additional value shall be assigned for the difference in cost between a solar energy heating or cooling system and a conventional system typically found in the county. As used in this classification, the term "system" includes all controls, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers and other equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy for heating or cooling. The term "system" does not include any land or structural elements of the building such as walls and roofs nor other equipment ordinarily contained in the structure.
Special Thanks to:
• David Duty, NC DOR
• Michael Brown, NC DOR
DOR training materials on the topic:
http://www.dornc.com/taxes/property/seminars/index.html
Brown - Solar and Wind Energy Issues
Duty - Solar and Wind Energy Issues
15 Minute Break
Panel Discussion is up next!
Final Thoughts…
Bringing government, industry, and the public together to make North Carolina a leader in solar energy development
Michael Fucci
MPP Candidate, Duke University
NC Sustainable Energy Association,
Office: (919)-832-7601 x132
Miriam Makhyoun
Manager of Market Intelligence,
NC Sustainable Energy
Association
Office: (919)-832-7601 x114
Tommy Cleveland, PE
Solar Energy Engineer
North Carolina Solar Center
Office: (919)-515-9432
Thanks to our Sponsors and
Partner!
