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Model Sustainable Development Ordinances 1 Solar Energy Standards INTRODUCTION In spite of its cold and dark reputation, Minnesota has good solar potential, as good as Houston, Texas and many parts of Florida. As solar energy system components have become more efficient and less costly an increasing number of solar energy installations have been installed in Minnesota. Since 2005, the interest in solar energy has rapidly increased such that many communities have had to address solar installations as a land use issue. Solar energy components continue to improve in efficiency and decline in price; the U.S. Department of Energy forecasts that solar energy will start to reach cost parity with retail electric costs by 2016. But solar energy is much more than an alternative (or supplement) to utility power. Solar energy has become a symbol of energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. The growth in solar installations is attribut- able more to the non-economic benefits than as an economic substitute for the electric utility. Households and businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprint see solar energy as a strong complement to energy effi- ciency. Volatility in natural gas prices makes free solar fuel look attractive as a price hedge. Solar energy issues Local governments will need to address solar energy installations in their development regulation in the near future. Three primary issues tie solar energy to development regulations: 1) Climate protection goals. Local governments that have committed to meeting climate protection goals can meet some of their commitment by removing regulatory barriers to solar energy and incorporating low or no-cost incentives in development regulations to spur solar investment. 2) Nuisance and safety considerations. Solar energy systems have few nuisances, but visual impacts and safety concerns by neighbors sometimes create opposition to solar installations. Good design and attention to aesthetics can answer most concerns. But the misperception that solar energy systems are ugly and unsafe, rooted in poorly designed 1970s solar installations, have resulted in unnecessary regulation or outright prohibitions. 3) Solar access considerations. In fully built-out communities and large lot suburban or exurban areas, solar access is of limited concern. Solar access is, however, an important consideration in zoning districts that allow tall buildings or in developing communities where subdivisions should incorporate solar access provisions. Model Solar Energy Standards This ordinance is based primarily on the model solar energy ordinance created for Solar Min- nesota, under a Million Solar Roofs grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. It has been updated several times to reflect different needs of Minnsota communities and the evolving solar industry, last updated Feburary, 2013