Equipment Type Regulation

Approximately forty local landowners, along with other interested citizens who appreciate the potential of well-regulated solar have formed a group we call Limestone Solar.


We have identified 38 changes to improve the JPC’s Sept 2021 draft solar ordinance. These changes are modeled on the KY Model Solar ordinance and the Dec 2020 draft solar ordinance circulated by Judge Pfeffer.

This page discussed only the twentyth improvement – Industry Standard type requirments

The Oct 2021 Draft proposed – “414.09 SAFETY DESIGN AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS

B. Industry Standards and Other Regulations

All SES shall conform to applicable industry standards, as well as all local, state and federal regulations. An applicant shall submit certificate(s) of design compliance that solar panel manufacturers have obtained from Underwriters Laboratories, DNV-GL, or an equivalent third party.

C. Electrical components

  1. Standards. All electrical components of all SES shall conform to applicable local, state and national codes, and any relevant national and international standards.
  2. Collection Cables. All electrical collection cables between each solar array and/or ancillary structures shall be located underground wherever possible.
  3. Transmission lines/Distribution lines. All transmission and/or distribution lines that are buried should be at a depth consistent with or greater than local utility and telecommunication underground lines standards.

D. Reflective surfaces.

  1. All surfaces shall be matte or non-reflective. Solar panels shall be as non-reflective as possible and conform to any Federal Aviation Administration requirements for SES near airports.

E. SES Warnings and Notices.

The following notices shall be clearly visible on industrial scale SES facilities:

  1. “No Trespassing” signs shall be attached to any perimeter fence.
  2. “Danger” signs shall be posted at the height of five (5) feet on SES accessory structures.
  3. A sign shall be posted on SES structures showing an emergency telephone number.
  4. The manual electrical and/or shutdown disconnect switch(es) shall be clearly labeled.
  5. Sign or signs shall be posted on the pad-mounted transformer and the substation(s) warning of high voltage.
  6. Private roads providing access to Industrial scale SES shall have posted an Emergency-911 address private road sign.

F. Materials Handling, Storage and Disposal

  1. Solid wastes. All solid wastes whether generated from supplies, equipment, parts, packaging, operation or maintenance of the SES, including old parts and equipment related to the construction, operation and/or maintenance of the SES shall be removed from the site promptly and disposed of in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.
  2. Hazardous Materials. All hazardous materials or waste related to the construction, operation and/or maintenance of any SES shall be handled, stored, transported and disposed of in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.

Section 414.03 states “An SES shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permitting and other requirements, and applicable building, fire, electrical, and plumbing code”. Section B of this section expands that by stating”

All SES shall conform to applicable industry standards, as well as all local, state and federal regulations. An applicant shall submit certificate(s) of design compliance that solar panel manufacturers have obtained from Underwriters Laboratories, DNV-GL, or an equivalent third party.” Anything further is simply another anti-solar attempt to stop solar. In addition, going into more detail increases the risk that details will not remain aligned with other best practices over time.

Improved version

414.09 SAFETY DESIGN AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS

The Oct 2021 Draft proposed – “414.09 SAFETY DESIGN AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS

B. Industry Standards and Other Regulations

  • All SES shall conform to applicable industry standards, as well as all local, state and federal regulations. An applicant shall submit certificate(s) of design compliance that solar panel manufacturers have obtained from Underwriters Laboratories, DNV-GL, or an equivalent third party.
  • Ground Mounted SES may include such signage as is required by law to provide safety information, and other signage as may be allowed under section 411 (Sign regulation) of this Ordinance and the Maysville/Mason County Land Use Management Ordinance.

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