6.) PC Attachments Solar Farm Examples and OrdinancesEichteds Solar Farm Page 1 of 2
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�Eichten'sSclarF'arm HOME ! ABOUT! CONTACT
http://www.eichtenssolar.conV 4/27/2015
Innovative Power
The numbers don't lie!A
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Innovative Power
check out om «eaHhday
apdate on our website! Plistc ry
of earth day and fun local
activities to participate in.
Subscribe to Eichten's Solar Farm and enjoy the benefits of solar
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without having an array on your property. Share solar with others in
4 days ago
your community, save money and the environment.
Innovative Power
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Happy ,7EmthDay 2015 from
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Cool story from Ramsey
cormty! 40 acre solar array in
http://www.eichtenssolar.conV 4/27/2015
Eichten's Solar Farm
Ed Eichten, owner of Eichten's
Farm in Center City
Minnesota, is retiring 4 acres
of his farm for the installation
of a large solar array. This
will be the first Community
Solar Garden in Chisago
County, open for
subscriptions to Minnesota
rate -payers.
Learn More >
Community Solar Gardens, an
upshot from last year's 2013
Solar Jobs Act, allow
Minnesotans to share in the
benefits of solar energy with
their neighbors. The program
credits a CSG participant's
energy bill proportionate to
their share of monthly
production. This option is
ideal for home or business
owners who want to go solar
but lack the ideal site
conditions to do so.
Learn More >
http://www.eichtenssolar.com/
The environmental impact
will be significant. The
1 -megawatt system is
expected to. produce 1.25
gigawatt -hours of clean,
renewable energy. Each year
the solar array will prevent
1.875 million pounds of CO2
emissions, equivalent to
planting 22,000 trees.
Learn More>
V f 0
Powered by Squarespace
Page 2 of 2
Aoi.,Flil]s. #solarenergy
http://t.ca/cFB9669TS1
5 days ago
FoIIOW ililIPSsolar
LIM Shin 146 people like this. Sign I
4/27/2015
Solar energy farms proposed for Rice County - Faribault MN: Local Page 1 of 3
Solar energy farms proposed for Rice County
By JESSICA BIES jbies@stpeterherald.com I Posted:
An ambitious energy company project could bring
a solar panel farm to southern Rice County.
The project is part of a proposal submitted to
Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in
April. The farms would supply up to 113
megawatts of green energy to Xcel Energy in an
attempt to meet the company's anticipated growth
in demand, as identified in a 2010 energy -needs
study.
The Edina -based company, Geronimo Energy, is
one of five to respond to Xcel's request of
proposals for additional energy resources.
It has submitted plans to build 31 solar -energy
farms across 700 acres of land in 18 different
counties on property adjacent to Xcel substations,
according to PUC documents.
, November 30, 2013 4:30
Slayton solar array
The proposed Geronimo Energy project
that will be developed on 90 acres of St.
Olaf College land would look similar to the
community solar garden in Slayton. (News
file photo)
The proposed Rice County site appears to be 27 acres located near an Xcel substation in Warsaw
Township near the Steele County border, according to a map that was included in PUC
documents. It appears to be one of the smaller proposed sites, according to the proposal,
generating about 2.5 megawatts of electricity.
Other proposed sites in southern Minnesota include Zumbrota, Dodge Center, St. Peter and
Waseca.
The initial proposal, submitted in April, came to the PUC just weeks before Gov. Mark Dayton
signed legislation that made Minnesota the 17th state to pass a controversial solar energy mandate.
The mandate requires Minnesota's major utility companies to generate 1.5 percent of their power
using solar by 2020 and forces them to consider building large solar generators or arrays similar to
those common in California.
Power companies have opposed the mandate and say solar's cost can't compete with low-cost
wind and natural gas-fired generation.
http://www.southernminn.comlfaribault daily_iewslnews/locallarticle_240af6el-ela4-5ab... 4/27/2015
Solar energy farms proposed for Rice County - Faribault MN: Local Page 2 of 3
But solar -energy proponents say it will bolster the solar power industry and help the state meet its
renewable energy goals.
"The benefits of approving Minnesota's first large-scale solar installation, meanwhile, are
enormous," wrote Kevin Reuther, legal director of the Minnesota Center for Environmental
Advocacy, in a brief to the PUC. "The solar bid helps to further Minnesota's greenhouse gas
reduction goals, it helps meet the state's renewable and solar energy standards and it helps to spur
new jobs and expertise in green energy technologies. It is in the public interest for the commission
to approve Geronimo's solar bid."
The state's largest solar power collection is currently located in Slayton, about 40 miles east of
Pipestone. Each of the solar arrays proposed by Geronimo would be as big as or bigger than that
one, completed last year.
"Geronimo's 100 MW project is the largest installation of solar energy and distributed generation
ever proposed in the state," Geronimo Energy Vice President of Development Elizabeth
Engelking told the PUC during a hearing Sept. 27. "The size of the project provides efficiencies
and economies of scale, especially in equipment purchasing. It also appropriately balances the
timing and logistics of constructing approximately 20 sites within the timeline necessary to
complete all required regulatory approvals, qualify for the available federal investment tax credit
and meet Xcel's need for capacity prior to summer 2017."
Geronimo told the PUC in its proposal it could start putting sites into service as early as 2014. As
many as 500 workers would be needed to construct the arrays, but no price tag has been fixed to
the project.
Geronimo has requested letters of support from local governments in Pine Island and Zumbrota,
according to a story in the Zumbrota News -Record, but a search of Rice County documents shows
no such request has been made here.
Rice County officials were unavailable for comment Friday.
The Calpine Corp., which has a natural gas power plant in Mankato, has also submitted a proposal
to the PUC for expanding the state's energy resources.
The company proposes adding 345 megawatts of capacity to its existing facility.
Todd Thornton, vice president of commercial development for Calpine, told the PUC Sept. 27 he
believed the company's bid would create cost -savings and would not require the company to buy
additional land.
"The initial engineering, permitting and design effort that was undertaken during development of
the existing plant provides Calpine with the opportunity to offer Minnesota ratepayers an energy
http://www.southemminn.com/faribault daily_news/news/local/article 240af6c1-ela4-5ab... 4/27/2015
Solar energy farms proposed for Rice County - Faribault MN: Local Page 3 of 3
efficient and environmentally responsible resource option at a uniquely low price," he told the
PUC. "Said differently, Calpine's proposal is a low-cost alternative that takes advantage of the
economies of scale associated with the investment that has already been made in the existing
asset."
Calpine said in its proposal the expanded plant could be operable by 2017.
The three other proposals also up the state's natural gas capacity, and Xcel, which has requested
that the PUC put off selecting a proposal until further analysis of their needs is completed, has
proposed building three new 215 MW combustion turbine gas plants.
Managing Editor Jaci Smith contributed to this report. Reach reporter Jessica Bies at 507-931-
8568 or follow her on Twitter.com @sphjessicabies
http://www.southermninn.com/faribault daily news/news/local/article 240af6cl-ela4-5ab... 4/27/2015
$25 million Camp Ripley solar farm will be largest in Minnesota - TwinCities.com Page 3 of 6
$25 million Camp Ripley solar farm will be largest in
Minnesota
By John Myers
Forum News Service
POSTED: o9a]Y2etalzexoo AMCor I uPDATLe. 8MONTHEAGO
Solar panels (Ploneer Press: Job. Doman)
Tucked away on the sprawling, 53,000 -acre Camp Ripley military installation near Brainerd, protected from exploding artillery shells and
rumbling tanks, an open field soon will be covered with enough solar panels to power 2,00 o. homes.
Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard signed a partnership Wednesday to build a $25 million solar farm that will supply Camp
Ripley with much ofits electrical needs.
The 10 megawatt -- equal to 10 million watts — solar faun will cover loo acres and will be the largest contiguous solar farm in Minnesota.
It also will be the largest solar farm on any National Guard base in the nation, and will help the Guard meet its orders from the Department of
Defense to use more renewable energy and become more energy efficient. The project also includes the installation of a smart grid system at the
base along with backup generators that will allow the facility to operate even if the public electrical grid shuts down.
The Guard hopes to cut Camp Ripley's energy bill by 30 percent.
The sprawling solar farm also will help Duluth -based Minnesota Power meet its state mandated requirement to generate 1.5 percent of its
electricity from solar sources by 2020.
Under the 2013 law, regulated, shareholder -owned utilities like Minnesota Power and Xcel Energy must add solar to their mix of energy sources.
Minnesota Power will used to add about 33 megawatts to satisfy the state law. Currently, all of the solar electric systems in the Minnesota Power
region combined amount to only o.5 megawatt, said Al Rudeck, Minnesota Power vice president of strategy and planning.
The Camp Ripley Project, which is scheduled to be on line by 2o16, will meet nearly one-third of Minnesota Power's state -mandate requirement,
Rudeck said.
Running at peak capacity, an sunny summer days, the solar farm will produce more energy than Camp Ripley uses, with the excess energy moving
out on the gad and giving the Guard a break on its power costs.
"The Minnesota National Guard and specifically Camp Ripley has been long looking for ways to increase our environmental stewardship. This
(agreement) marks a milestone along our path to making that vision a reality," Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, Minnesota National Guard adjutant general,
said in a statement announcing the project. "The Minnesota National Guard is committed to working with local partners in the government and
the private sector, like Minnesota Power, to assist us in our pursuit of sustainable infrastructure."
The project is one of dozens planned across Minnesota where the state legislation, falling prices for solar panels and a 30 percent federal tax credit
are combining to spur a solar boom.
So far the state's largest operating solar farm is near Slayton,a 2 megawatt array that includes 7,040 solar paneWk1tkWht�C,,LeE)�k�N� t1tfYA> r. X
football fields on what had been a cornfield. That's enough electricity to power 25o homes. It's owned by Ecol F15eWAWkg1Voy &e8%aefAReflon to games
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Another huge array sits atop the Minneapolis Convention Center. The 600 kilowatt system is made up of 2,6:.3 fh9WWilld1hK4WRV4MAB"amabby/ei_-79
electricity since 2010. St. John's University has a 400 Hewett systemabby-boyfriends-addiction-games-doesnt-
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In Grand Rapids, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources earlier this year installed a 105 khOw,mt s�stem at its regional headquarters. St.
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Louis Comity has a3o,000 watt solar farm on the roof of its Government Services Center- the largest is lieu oue lc
ands esel site to measure
which panels work best in the Northland environment. (http://www.Mincites.com/dearabby/ci_27996329/dear-
abby-boyfdends-addiclion-games-doesnt-play-well?
Even larger solar projects are in the works. source=JBarTicker)
http://www.twincities.comllocalnewslei 26415107/25-million-camp-ripley-solar-farm-will... 4/27/2015
$25 million Camp Ripley solar farm will be largest in Minnesota - TwinCities.com Page 4 of 6
Minneapolis-based Germrimo Energy has proposed a massive, too megawatt sola project that will provide electricity to Xcel Energy. The so-called
Aurora Project nl] be spread across 20 sites in Benton, Blue Earth, Carver, Chippewa, Chisago, Dodge, Goodhue, Kandiyohl, To Savor, McLeod,
Pipestone, Rice, Stearns, Waseca, Washington and Wright counties. It's slated for construction in 2015 and 2ot6.
But it's not just massive solar farms in the works.
More and more people are bolting solar panels onto their home or garage roofs. Experts say a home rooftop 5 kilowatt system «rill pay for itself in
about to years. With incentives, a $25,000 system can be installed for about $8,000 and generate a profit of more than .$24,000 over 25 years,
roughly the lifespan of most solar panels.
Minnesota Power expects to meet its state mandate by adding about 4 megawatts of small-scale, household or small-business size solar systems
across the region. The rest, about 19 megawatts beyond the Camp Ripley project, will likely be other large-scale solar farms.
"We're talking I:a other customers where we think it can be mutually beneficial to meeting their goals and ours," Rudeck said.
Minnesota Power is looking mostly at brown field sites, land that's not being used for other projects, farming or forestry. Ground sites are far less
expensive than rooftop sites, Rudeck noted, and are easier to hook up and service.
The 2013 state legjilation bill also allows private citizens or corporations to build solar arrays up to 1 megawatt and requires utilities to hook them
up to their grid. The previous limit was just 40 kilowatts.
Still, sola' power isn't likely to meet a majority of Minnesota's electrical needs anytime soon. At best, solar panels are generating at peak capacity
about 17 percent of the time in northern Minnesota -- they don't work at night or on very cloudy days. And even on sunny days in winter, when the
sun is at a low angle, they don't generate at full capacity for very many hours, Rudeck said.
That won't work to power the major customers in Minnesota Power's service area, namely taconite plants and paper mills that gobble energy 24
hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Minnesota power, in fact, has the highest sustained demand of any utility in the nation.
"Most utilities see their demand fall considerably in the evening when people go home from work. But our line is nearly flat," Rudeck said. "Solar
will elearly be part of our renewable mitt. But, like wind, solar cant be the complete answer."
Minnesota Power has set a goal of having about one of its generation from renewables —solar, wind and hydro —by 2025. with about one-
third natural gas and one-third for coal-fired power plants.
NEXT ARTICLE IN NEWS() X
Dear Abby: Boyfriend's addiction to games
doesn't play well with girlfriend
@ttp://"zv .Usincities.com/dearabby/ti_275
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» Continue to article...
(http://www twine[ties.com/dearabby/ci_27996329/dear-
abby-boytnends-addiction-games-doesnt-p lay -well?
source=JBarTicker)
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Municipal Guide to Planning for and Regulating Alternative Energy Systems
PRINCIPAL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
What Are Principal solar energy systems?
Principal solar energy systems or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors
to focus a large area of sunlight onto a small area. Electrical power is produced when the
concentrated light is directed onto photovoltaic surfaces or used to heat a transfer fluid for a
conventional power plant. Large solar energy production facilities consist of one or more free-
standing ground, or roof mounted solar collector devices, solar related equipment and other
accessory structures and buildings including light reflectors, concentrators, and heat exchangers,
substations, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines and other appurtenant structures and
facilities, which has a rated capacity of more ten (10) kilowatts (for electricity) or rated storage
volume of the system of more than two hundred forty (240) gallons or that has a collector area of
more than one thousand (1,000) square feet (for thermal). There are two types of large solar
electric generating technologies: photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems.
(References: U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Database for State
Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website)
Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) systems employ sunlight concentrated onto photovoltaic surfaces for the
purpose of electrical power production. Solar concentrators of all varieties may be used, and
these are often mounted on a solar tracker in order to keep the focal point upon the cell as the sun
moves across the sky.
I Ilustration from U.S. Department of Energy
34
Page 18 of 21
Municipal Guide to Planning for and Regulating Alternative Energy Systems
Solar Thermal Systems
Solar -thermal electric generation technology uses the sun's energy to power a steam turbine.
Solar -thermal systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight
onto a small area. The concentrated light is then used as heat or as a heat source for a
conventional power plant.
(References: U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Database for State
Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website)
Illustration from U.S. Department of Energy
' aII IIII XO IyH �-
Illustration from U.S. Department of Energy
Power Tower Systems—includes links to R&D being done within other CSP areas, but
that are relevant to heliostats, receivers, and overall systems issues for central -
receiver solar plants.
35
Page 19 of 21
Municipal Guide to Planning for and Regulating Alternative Energy Systems
Pervious or impervious
With the recent trend to build solar energy plants, new land use questions concerning solar
energy projects have been raised. One of the main questions local governments must deal with is:
Do these ground -mounted solar panels constitute impervious coverage or not? This is an
important question to consider if one of these large-scale projects is built on prime agricultural
land or near a major water resource. Opinions on this issue vary. Professionals in the solar
industry don't consider solar panels as a solid surface because of their slanted positions and the
spacing between each panel, thereby they are not impervious. In April 2010, the State of New
Jersey passed a law that exempts solar panels from the calculation of impervious cover under a
number of state laws. Mount Joy and RaphoTownships, Lancaster County, PA consider solar
panels as impervious cover. Currently, we are not aware of any studies proving either side.
Model Language
The following example is a summary of model zoning language from the model ordinance for
energy projects written by the Oregon Department of Energy:
Use: A Solar Energy Production Facility shall be considered a permitted use in the industrial and
commercial zones, and a special exception use in the agricultural district.
Acreage: The proposed solar energy project would occupy less than [ ] acres on land zoned for
commercial or industrial use or for agricultural zoning districts less than [ ] acres on land zoned for
agricultural use.
Height and Setback: For purposes of determining compliance with lot coverage standards of the
underlying zone, the total surface area of all ground -mounted and freestanding solar collectors including
36
Page 20 of 21
Municipal Guide to Planning for and Regulating Alternative Energy Systems
solar photovoltaic cells, panels, arrays, and solar hot air or water collector devices shall be considered
impervious. Panels mounted on the roof of any building shall be subject to the maximum height
regulations specified within each the underlying zone.
Design and Installation:
• All on-site utility and transmission lines shall, to the extent feasible, be placed underground.
• All large solar energy production facilities shall be designed and located in order to prevent
reflective glare toward any inhabited buildings on adjacent properties as well as adjacent street
rights-of-way.
• A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage must be placed at the base of all pad -mounted
transformers and substations.
• The proposed solar energy project is not located adjacent to, or within, the control zone of any
airport.
• Whenever practical, all principal solar energy systems should be attached to a building; or if
ground mounted and/or freestanding, the applicant shall demonstrate by credible evidence that
1) the area proposed for the principal solar energy system does not predominantly consist of
Class I, II and/or III soils, as identified in the soil survey, and is generally unsuitable for
agricultural purposes: and 2)such facilities cannot feasibly be attached to a building due to
structural limitations of the building.
• All mechanical equipment of principal solar energy systems including any structure for batteries
or storage cells, shall be completely enclosed by a minimum eight (8) foot high fence with a self-
locking gate, and provided with screening in accordance with the landscaping provisions of the
municipal subdivision and land development ordinance.
Use of Public Roads: The applicant has secured, or can secure, all necessary approvals from the local
government or the State Highway Division of access points for project roads and parking areas at the
project site.
Liability Insurance: There shall be maintained a current general liability policy covering bodily injury and
property damage with limits of at least $1 million per occurrence and $1 million in the aggregate.
Decommissioning: The applicant agrees to the following as conditions of the land use permit:
• If the applicant ceases operation of the energy project or begins, but does not complete,
construction of the project, the applicant shall restore the site according to a plan approved by
the planning authority.
• The Large Solar Energy Production Facility owner is required to notify the [municipality]
immediately upon cessation or abandonment of the operation. The owner shall be responsible
for the removal of the facility within six (6) months from the date the applicant ceases use of the
facility or the facility becomes obsolete. The owner shall then have twelve (12) months in which
to dismantle and remove the Large Solar Energy Production Facility from the property. At the
time of issuance of the permit for the construction of the Large Solar Energy Production Facility,
the owner shall provide financial security in form and amount acceptable to the [municipality] to
secure the expense of dismantling and removing said structures.
37
Page 21 of 21
Sterling Codifiers, Inc. q Page 1 of 4
11-2-12: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS:
A. Purpose And Intent: It is the goal of the city council, as expressed in the comprehensive
plan, for Rosemount to become a more sustainable community by encouraging activities
that conserve energy and result in less/no pollution output such as alternative energy
sources. In accordance with that goal, the city finds that it is in the public interest to
encourage alternative energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production
and conservation while not having an adverse impact on the community. Therefore, the
purposes of this section include:
To promote rather than restrict development of alternative energy sources by removing
regulatory barriers and creating a clear regulatory path for approving alternative energy
systems.
2. To create a livable community where development incorporates sustainable design
elements such as resource and energy conservation and use of renewable energy.
3. To protect and enhance air quality, limit the effects of climate change and decrease
use of fossil fuels.
4. To encourage alternative energy development in locations where the technology is
viable and environmental, economic and social impacts can be mitigated.
B. Definitions: The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this title, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section:
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM: A ground source heat pump, wind or solar energy
system.
COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN: A solar electric (photovoltaic) array that provides retail
electric power (or a financial proxy for retail power) to multiple community members or
businesses residing or located off site from the location of the solar energy system, under
the provisions of Minnesota statutes 2166.1641 or successor statute.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: An active solar energy system that converts solar energy
directly into electricity.
SOLAR COLLECTOR: A device, structure or a part of a device or structure for which the
primary purpose is to capture sunlight and transform it into thermal, mechanical,
chemical, or electrical energy.
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 or structural design feature, a substantial purpose
of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and
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Page 2 of 4
distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water
heating.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, ACTIVE: A solar energy system whose primary purpose is
to harvest energy by transferring solar energy into another form of energy or transferring
heat from a solar collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical, or chemical
means.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING INTEGRATED: A solar energy system that is an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, replacing or substituting for an
architectural or structural component of the building. Building integrated systems include,
but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems that are contained
within or substitute for roofing materials, windows, skylights, awnings and shade devices.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, GRID INTERTIE: A photovoltaic solar energy system that is
connected to an electric circuit served by an electric utility company.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, GROUND MOUNTED: A freestanding solar system
mounted directly to the ground using a rack or pole rather than being mounted on a
building.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, OFF GRID: A photovoltaic solar energy system in which the
circuits energized by the solar energy system are not electrically connected in any way to
electric circuits that are served by an electric utility company.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, PASSIVE: A system that captures solar light or heat without
transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, ROOF MOUNTED: A solar energy system mounted directly
or abutting the roof of a principal or accessory building.
SOLAR FARM: A commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity, whether by
photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar thermal devices (CST), or other conversion
technology, for the principal purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity.
SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM (Also THERMAL 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 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 (4) hours
between the hours of nine o'clock (9:00) A.M. and three o'clock (3:00) P.M. standard time
on any day of the year.
C. Solar Energy Systems: The following standards apply to solar energy systems, subject to
standards of the applicable zoning district in which they are located.
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Page 3 of 4
Exemptions: Passive or building integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the
requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
2. Uses: Roof mounted solar energy systems are an accessory use in some districts.
Ground mounted solar energy systems are an accessory use in the agricultural,
residential, PI - public and institutional, and industrial districts. Community solar
gardens or solar farms as defined in this section are an interim use in the following
zoning district outside the metropolitan urban service area (MUSA): AG - agricultural,
PI - public and institutional, LI - light industrial, GI - general industrial and HI - heavy
industrial.
3. Setbacks: Roof mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the setbacks
requirement for the applicable zoning district and structure type (principal or
accessory) on which they are mounted and may encroach those setbacks per
subsection 11-5-2C1a, "Special Structural Elements", of this title. Ground mounted
solar energy systems shall comply with the accessory structure setback standards for
the applicable zoning district in which they are located. Community solar gardens or
solar farms shall comply with the principal structure setback standards for the
applicable zoning district in which they are located.
4. Height: Roof mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the height standards of
the applicable zoning district. Roof mounted solar energy systems may be mounted at
an angle to the roof to improve their efficiency; however, the highest point of a solar
panel in any residential district shall not be more than three feet (3'), measured in a
straight line, above the roof upon which the panel is mounted. This three foot (3')
height limitation does not apply to roof mounted solar energy systems located in
nonresidential districts or on nonresidential uses. Ground mounted solar energy
systems shall not exceed fifteen feet (15) in height.
5. Aesthetics: Roof mounted solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the
architecture of the building, provided that design considerations shall not diminish
energy production. The color of the solar collector is not required to be consistent with
other roofing materials. Reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented
away from neighboring windows. Where necessary, screening may be required to
address glare.
6. Screening: Roof mounted solar energy systems located in nonresidential districts or on
nonresidential uses shall be screened in accordance with the requirements of section
11-2-5 of this chapter and the screening requirements of the applicable zoning district
to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Ground mounted solar energy
systems, community solar gardens or solar farms shall be screened from view of the
public right of way to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency by setback,
berming, landscaping, walls or a combination thereof.
7. Coverage: Roof mounted solar energy systems shall not cover more than eighty
percent (80%) of the south facing or flat roof upon which the panels are mounted and
shall be set back a minimum of one foot (1') from the edge of the roof. The surface
area of ground mounted systems shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage standard
of the applicable zoning district.
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Page 4 of 4
8. Feeder Lines: All power lines shall be placed underground within the interior of each
parcel.
9. Compliance With Building Code: All active solar energy systems shall meet approval
of local building code officials, consistent with the state of Minnesota building code,
and solar thermal systems shall comply with HVAC related requirements of the energy
code.
10. Compliance With State Electric Code: All photovoltaic systems shall comply with the
Minnesota state electric code.
11. Compliance With State Plumbing Code: Solar thermal systems shall comply with
applicable Minnesota state plumbing code.
12. Certifications: Solar electric system components shall be certified by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., and solar thermal systems shall be certified by the Solar Rating And
Certification Corporation, or other appropriate certification(s) as determined by the city.
The city reserves the right to deny a building permit for proposed solar energy systems
deemed to have inadequate certification.
13. Utility Connection: All grid intertie systems shall have an agreement with the local
utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. A visible external disconnect must be
provided if required by the utility. Off grid systems are exempt from this requirement.
14. Abandonment: If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a
continuous period of one year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall
constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their
expense after a demolition permit has been obtained. Removal includes the entire
structure including transmission equipment.
15. Permits: No solar energy system shall be erected, altered, improved, reconstructed,
maintained or moved in the city without first securing a permit from the city. Community
solar gardens or solar farms as defined in this section shall also require an interim use
permit.
16. Deviations: Deviations from the required standards for a solar energy system may be
addressed though a variance. (Ord. B-231, 3-4-2014)
http://sterlingeodifiers.com/codebook/printnow.plip 3/30/2015
Morrison County Zoning Ordinnnoe
purpose of calculating the sign area of multiple -faced or back-to-back signs, the stipulated
maximum sign area shall refer to a single face.
Significant Cultural Site: (see Significant Historic Site)
Significant Historic Site: Any archaeological site, standing structure, or other property that
meets the criteria for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places or is listed in the State
Register of Historic Sites, or is determined to be an unplatted cemetery that falls under the
provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 307:5. A historic site meets these criteria if it is
presently listed on either register or if it is determined to meet the qualifications for listing after
review by the Minnesota State archaeologists or the director of the Minnesota Historical Society.
All unplatted cemeteries are automatically considered to be significant historic sites.
Sketch Plan: A sketch preparatory to the preliminary plat (or as required through the minor
subdivision process) to enable the subdivider to save time and expense in reaching general
agreement with the Planning Commission as to the form of the plat and the objectives of these
regulations.
Slope: The amount a land surface rises or falls from a horizontal plane. Slope can be expressed
as a fraction or percentage, arrived at by dividing the distance of the vertical rise or fall from the
horizontal plane by the horizontal distance.
Solar Collector: A device, structure or a part of a device or structure for which the primary
purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical
energy.
Solar Energy System: A solar energy system whose primary purpose is to harvest energy by
transforming solar energy into another form of energy of transferring heat from a collector to
another medium using mechanical, electrical or chemical means.
Solar Farm: A facility that converts sunlight into electricity; whether by photovoltaics (PV),
concentrating solar thermal devices (CST), or other conversion technology, for the primary
purpose of wholesale sales of generated electricity. A solar farm may be either an accessory or a
principal use.
Solid Manure: Animal manure which does not flow and which can be effectively stacked or
handled using a loader equipped with forks.
Solid Waste: Garbage, refuse, rubbish, sludge from a water supply treatment plant or air
contaminant treatment facility, and other discarded waste materials and sludges, in solid, semi-
solid, liquid, or contained gaseous form, resulting from residential, industrial, commercial, mining
and agricultural operations, residential uses, and from community activities, but does not include
hazardous waste, wood chips, demolition debris, animal waste used as fertilizer, solid or
dissolved material in domestic sewage or other common pollutants in water resources, such as
silt dissolved or suspended solids in industrial waste water effluents or discharges which are point
sources subject to permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as
amended, dissolved materials in irrigation return flow; or source, special nuclear, or by-product
material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
Solid Waste Facility: An intermediate or final disposal site or building operated as a sanitary
landfill, incinerator, transfer station, composter or other process used for the processing,
reduction or disposal of solid waste, except a demolition facility.
Morrison County Zoning Ordinance
Waste Ordinance. The Board may require the posting of a bond, letter of credit or
the establishment of an escrow account to ensure property decommissioning.
1228.4 Solar Farms The following standards apply to Solar Farms:
a. Conditional Use. Solar farms are allowed within the Agriculture and Commercial zoning
district and require a conditional use permit.
b. Prohibitions. Solar Farms are prohibited:
1. within areas designated as Shoreland districts by the Department of Natural
Resources and the in Morrison County Zoning Ordinance
2. within 600 feet of areas designated or protected from development by Federal,
State, or County agencies as wildlife habitat
3. within wetlands to the extent required by the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation
Act, the Morrison County Wetlands Regulations, and the Morrison County
Shoreland Standards.
c. Interconnection. An interconnection agreement must be completed with an electric utility.
d. Stormwater and Erosion Control. Solar farms are subject to stormwater management
and erosion and sediment control best practices and NPDES permit requirements.
e. Foundations. The manufacturer's engineer or another qualified engineer shall certify that
the foundation and design of the solar panels is within accepted professional standards,
given local soil and climate conditions.
f. Other standards and codes. All solar farms shall be in compliance with any applicable
local, state and federal regulatory standards for solar energy systems.
g. Power and communication lines. Power and communication lines that are not defined in
this Ordinance as Essential Services and running between banks of solar panels and to
electric substations or interconnections with buildings that are on adjacent parcels shall
be buried underground. Exemptions may be granted by the Department in instances
where shallow bedrock, water courses, or other elements of the natural landscape
interfere with the ability to bury lines, or the distance to a substation reasonably precludes
burial.
Standards h through k must be provided as part of a complete Conditional Use Permit
Application:
h. Site Plan Required. A detailed site plan for both existing and proposed conditions must
be submitted, showing the location of all areas where solar arrays are to be placed,
existing and proposed structures, property line, surface water drainage patterns,
floodplains, delineated wetlands, toe and top of bluffs, ordinary high water mark and other
protected natural resources, topography, electric equipment, and all other characteristics
requested by the County.
i. Natural Resource Impact Assessment. For Solar Farms with a project size exceeding
ten (10) acres, the applicant must provide a Natural Resource Impact Assessment. The
assessment must include:
1. An assessment that addresses impacts of the project (construction and maintenance
phases) to natural resources, defined as natural vegetation, native plant
156-
Morrison County Zoning Ordinance
communities, soils, surface waters, wetlands, wildlife and nongame species, and
fisheries.
2. A MN DNR Natural Heritage Information System (NNIS) review to determine if any
records of rare species or rare natural resource features are located in proximity to
the project. The NHIS Data Request form can be accessed on the DNR website at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.usleco/nhnrp/nhis.htm1.
3. A Natural Resource Impact Mitigation Plan, if either the assessment or NHIS review
identifies adverse impacts to natural resources. This plan should address the
following areas:
a. Avoid — requires looking at alternatives
b. Minimize the impacts (project size, scope and configuration)
c. Rectify temporary impacts
d. Reduce or eliminate impacts over time (operational or otherwise)
e. Replace unavoidable significant (individually or cumulatively) impacts
j. Aviation Analysis. The applicant must complete and provide the results of the Solar Glare
Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) for the Airport Traffic Control Tower cab and final
approach paths, consistent with the Interim Policy, FAA Review of Solar Energy Projects
on Federally Obligated Airports, or most recent version adopted by the FAA. If the
SGHAT indicates a completion of an Air Space Case Analysis (Form 7460), the applicant
must complete the form and provide the results.
k. Decommissioning Plan. A decommissioning plan shall be required to ensure that facilities
are properly removed after their useful life. Decommissioning of solar panels must occur
in the event they are not in use for twelve (12) consecutive months. The plan shall
include provisions for removal of all structures and foundations, restoration of soil and
vegetation and a plan ensuring financial resources will be available to fully decommission
the site. Disposal of structures and/or foundations shall meet the provisions of the
Morrison County Solid Waste Ordinance. The Board may require the posting of a bond,
letter of credit or the establishment of an escrow account to ensure property
decommissioning.
1228.5 General Solar Standards
In addition to the standards above, all solar energy systems shall comply with the following standards:
a. Interconnection. All electric solar energy systems that are connected to the electric
distribution or transmission system, either directly or through the existing service of the
principal use on the site, shall obtain an interconnection agreement with the electric utility
in whose service territory the system is located. Off -grid systems are exempt from this
requirement.
b. UL listing. Electric solar system components that are connected to a building electric
system must have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing.
c. Electric Code. All Solar Energy Systems must comply with the Minnesota and National
Electric Code.
d. Impervious surface, solar collector. Within shoreland districts the collector surface of a
ground -mount system is considered impervious surface, as is any foundation, compacted
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Morrison solar power farm approved
Morrison solar power farm approved
Kirstl Marohn, kmarohn@stctoudtimes.com 11:38 a.m. CDT June 21, 2014
(Photo: Getty lmagey5tockphoat)
LITTLE FALLS — Morrison County has given a green light to a plan to build a solar farm east of Little Falls.
The 10 -megawatt project is one of several large-scale solar farms expected to be built in Central Minnesota in the next few years.
Page 1 of 2
Geronimo Energy is the company behind the Morrison County project, which will operate under the subsidiary Lindy Solar. The solar farm encompasses
70 acres off Minnesota Highway 27 in Little Falls Township.
Geronimo is the same company behind a distributed solar project chosen by state regulators last year in a competitive bidding process to provide
electricity for Xcel Energy. The 100 -megawatt Aurora Solar Project includes about 24 solar farms around the state, with three in Stearns County and one
in Benton County.
The Morrison County solar farm isn't part of the Aurora project, said Nathan Franzen, director of solar for Geronimo. The company is negotiating an
agreement with Minnesota Power to purchase the electricity.
"Ideally, we'd like to have it under construction by as early as next year or 2016," Franzen said.
Geronimo and landowner James Koetter applied for a conditional -use permit to establish the solar farm, which will include 300 -watt photovoltaic panels
about 10 feet high.
The Lindy project is comparable in size to some of the proposed Aurora solar farms, including two 10 -megawatt farms near Paynesville and Albany.
State and local government officials are gearing up for the anticipated boom in solar energy. Morrison County didn't have any regulations for solar farms
in its land -use ordinance when it was approached by Geronimo, which meant they weren't allowed, said Amy Kowalzek, planning and zoning
administrator.
"The board decided that they wanted to enable people to initiate these solar projects," Kowalzek said.
One question was whether the solar panels would create a problem with glare for nearby Camp Ripley and municipal airports, she said. Other board
members were concerned about potential impacts on wildlife.
The county adopted new standards in March. The conditional -use permit was approved without any opposition, Kowalzek said.
Stearns County adopted solar regulations for about five years ago when a solar farm was built at St. John's University, said Angie Berg, land use director
in the Stearns County environmental services department.
Berg is serving on a state subcommittee making recommendations to the Department of Commerce about whether new solar rules or laws are needed.
The group is considering questions such as what an optimal site for a solar farm would be and where the state is most likely to see solar farms, Berg
said. Solar farms are fairly land intensive, with each megawatt of solar energy requiring about 7 acres to produce.
"Are there things that we haven't thought of. yet? Because we maybe seeing more and more of them throughout the state," Berg said.
Because of its size, the Aurora project is seeking a state site permit through the Public Utilities Commission. That means the project won't require local
http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2014/06/21/morrison-solar-power-farm-approved/11209507/ 3/24/2015
Morrison solar power farm approved
zoning approval.
Page 2 of 2
However, Geronimo is looking at local regulations and taking them into consideration, Franzen said. The company has been reaching out to the
communities where the solarfarms will be and getting feedback on the plan.
Thecompany expects to submit an application for a site permit in July. The process will take six to nine months and will include public hearings, Franzen
said.
Follow Kirsti Marohn on Twitter Qkirstimarohn.
Read or Share this story: http:ll w .setimes.com/story/news/local/2014/06/21/morrison-solar-power-farm-approved/l 1209507/
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http://www-sctimes.comistorylnews/local/2014106/211morrison-solar-power-faim-approvedll1209507/ 3/24/2015
Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance This Section last amended January 28, 2014.
Significant Historic Site
Any archaeological site, standing structure or other property that meets the criteria for
eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places or is listed in the State Register of
Historic Sites or is determined to be an unplatted cemetery that falls under the provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, section 307.08; or successor statutes. A historic site meets these
criteria if it is presently listed on either register or if it is determined to meet the
qualifications for listing after review by the Minnesota State Archaeologist or the Director
of the Minnesota Historical Society. All unplatted cemeteries are automatically considered
to be significant historic sites.
Single Family Dwelling Unit
A residential building containing one residential dwelling unit.
Ski Areas and Lodges
An area developed for snow skiing, with trails and lifts, including ski rentals and sales,
instruction and eating facilities.
Solar Energy Systems — Accessory
A solar panel or array mounted on a building, pole or rack that is secondary to the primary
use of the parcel on which it is located and which is directly connected to or designed to
serve the energy needs of the primary use.
Solar Farms
A solar array composed of multiple solar panels on ground -mounted rack or poles which is
the primary land use for the parcel on which it is located.
Solid Manure
Animal manure that does not flow and which can be effectively stacked or handled using a
loader equipped with forks. This shall not include frozen liquid manure.
Solid Waste
Solid waste means garbage, refuse, sludge from a water supply treatment plant or air
contaminant treatment facility, and other discarded waste materials and sludges, in solid,
semisolid, liquid or contained gaseous form, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining
and agricultural operations, and from community activities, but does not include hazardous
waste; animal waste used as fertilizer; earthen fill, boulders, rock; sewage sludge; solid or
dissolved material in domestic sewage or other common pollutants in water resources, such
as silt, dissolved or suspended solids in industrial waste water effluents or discharges
which are point sources subject to permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended, dissolved materials in irrigation return flows; or
source, special nuclear, or by-product material as defined by The Atomic Energy Act of
1954, as amended.
Solid Waste Composting Facility
A site used to compost or co -compost solid waste, including all structures or processing
equipment used to control drainage, collect and treat leachate, and storage areas for the
incoming waste and residuals resulting from the composting process.
3-32
Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance This Section last amended January 28, 2014.
G. All parking areas, bus loading and unloading areas, delivery areas and access
roads to any of these areas shall be hard surfaced.
H. To the extent possible, new construction or additions to existing buildings
shall be complementary and compatible with the scale and character of the
surroundings, and exterior materials shall be compatible with those used in
the immediate neighborhood.
1. All accessory residential or day care uses are subject to the provisions of this
Ordinance.
I Signs shall meet the requirements of Section 7.24 of this Ordinance.
6.50 Seasonal Produce Sales Stands, Accessory
6.50.1 Performance Standards
Seasonal produce sales stands shall comply with the following standards:
A. Seasonal produce stands shall be an accessory use to a principle agricultural
use.
B. Operation of produce stands shall be limited to the growing season in
Minnesota.
C. No sale of product shall take place in the public right-of-way of any Federal,
State, County or Township roadway unless approved by the road authority.
D. Off-street parking shall be provided outside of any road right-of-way.
E. Any temporary structure placed on the property for seasonal produce sales
shall be removed at the end of the selling season. The size of the temporary
structure shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet.
F. All structures, including temporary structures, shall meet the minimum
setback requirements of the district in which it is located.
G. Signs shall meet the requirements of Section 7.24 of this Ordinance.
6.51 Solar Energy Systems
6.51.1 Comprehensive Plan Reference
The purpose of this Section is to set forth standards for large and small solar
energy systems. Stearns County has determined that development of solar energy
is in the public interest and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, including the
following goals:
A. Natural Resource Plan, Goal 2, Objective 4: Encourage use of renewable
energy systems, including wind energy and solar energy, which reduce the
footprint of development on local and global natural systems.
B. Economic Development Plan, Goal 3, Objective 3: Encourage and promote
the use of "green" architecture design principles that minimize impacts to the
natural and cultural environments and reduce long -run risk to business.
J6.51.2 Standards for Solar Farms
Solar Farms shall be subject to the administrative requirements of Section 4.8 of
this Ordinance and the following performance standards:
A. Solar farms are the primary land use for the parcel on which the array is
located and are distinguished from solar arrays that are a secondary or
accessory use. Solar farms are composed of multiple solar panels on multiple
6-51
Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance This Section last amended January 28, 2014.
mounting systems (poles or racks), and generally have a Direct Current (DC)
rated capacity greater than one hundred (100) kilowatts.
B. Stormwater management shall meet the requirements of Section 7.25 of this
Ordinance.
C. Erosion and sediment control shall meet the requirements of Section 7.10 of
this Ordinance.
D. Foundations. The manufacturer's engineer or another qualified engineer
shall certify that the foundation and design of the solar panels is within
accepted professional standards, given local soil and climate conditions.
E. Other standards and codes. All solar farms shall be in compliance with any
applicable local, state and federal regulatory standards, including the State of
Minnesota Uniform Building Code, as amended; and the National Electric
Code, as amended.
F. Power and communication lines. Power and communication lines running
between banks of solar panels and to electric substations or interconnections
with buildings shall be buried underground. Exemptions may be granted by
the Department in instances where shallow bedrock, water courses, or other
elements of the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines.
G. Application requirements. The following information shall be provided to
the Department prior to issuance of the conditional use permit:
(1) A site plan of existing conditions showing the following:
(a) Existing property lines and property lines extending one
hundred (100) feet from the exterior boundaries, including the
names of the adjacent property owners and current use of
those properties
(b) Existing public and private roads, showing widths of the roads
and any associated easements
(c) Location and size of any abandoned wells, sewage treatment
systems and dumps
(d) Existing buildings and any impervious surface
(e) Topography at two (2) foot intervals and source of contour
interval, unless determined otherwise by the Department. A
contour map of the surrounding properties may also be
required
(t) Existing vegetation (list type and percent of coverage; i.e.
grassland, plowed field, wooded areas, etc.)
(g) Waterways, watercourses, lakes and public water wetlands
(h) Delineated wetland boundaries
(i) The one hundred (100) -year flood elevation and Regulatory
Flood Protection Elevation, if available
(j) Floodway, flood fringe and/or general flood plain district
boundary, if applicable
(k) The shoreland district boundary, if any portion of the project is
located in a shoreland overlay district
(1) In the shoreland overlay district, the ordinary high water level
and the highest know water level
(m) In the shoreland overlay district, the toe and top of any bluffs
within the project boundaries
6-52
Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance This Section last amended January 28, 2014.
(n) Mapped soils according to the Stearns County Soil Survey
(o) Surface water drainage patterns
(p) LESA score for the parcel, if located within an agricultural
zoning district.
(2) Site Plan of Proposed Conditions
(a) Location and spacing of solar panels
(b) Location of access roads
(c) Planned location of underground or overhead electric lines
connecting the solar farm to the building, substation or other
electric load
(d) New electrical equipment other than at the existing building or
substation that is the connection point for the solar faun
(e) Proposed erosion and sediment control measures as required
in Section 7.10 of this Ordinance.
(f) Proposed stormwater management measures as required under
Section 7.25 of this Ordinance
(g) Sketch elevation of the premises accurately depicting the
proposed solar energy conversion system and its relationship
to structures on adjacent lots (if any);
(3) Manufacturer's specifications and recommended installation methods
for all major equipment, including solar panels, mounting systems and
foundations for poles or racks;
(4) The number of panels to be installed;
(5) A description of the method of connecting the array to a building or
substation;
(6) A copy of the interconnection agreement with the local electric utility
or a written explanation outlining why an interconnection agreement is
not necessary;
(7) A decommissioning plan shall be required to ensure that facilities are
properly removed after their useful life. Decommissioning of solar
panels must occur in the event they are not in use for twelve (12)
consecutive months. The plan shall include provisions for removal of
all structures and foundations, restoration of soil and vegetation and a
plan ensuring financial resources will be available to fully
decommission the site. Disposal of structures and/or foundations shall
meet the provisions of Stearns County Solid Waste Ordinance Number
171; or successor ordinance. The Board may require the posting of a
bond, letter of credit or the establishment of an escrow account to
ensure proper decommissioning.
6.51.3 Standards for Solar Energy Systems, Accessory. Solar energy systems are a
permitted accessory use in all zoning districts, subject to the following standards.
A. Accessory Building Limit. Solar systems, either roof or ground -mounted, do
not count as an accessory building for the purpose of meeting limits on the
number of accessory structures allowed per residential lot or the coverage
limits, as set in Section 6.2 of this Ordinance.
B. Height. Active solar systems are subject to the following height requirements:
6-53
StarTribune - Print Page
* StarTribune
Big solar parks proposed for Minnesota
not so popular with neighbors
Article by: David Shaffer
Star Tribune
March 28, 2015 -4:19 PM
Big solar energy projects in outstare Minnesota are not going ever
well with some potential neighbors.
Energy companies have proposed more than 25 sites across the
stale for ground -mounted solar panels, Inerang two giant projects
equivalent in size to one or two Lake Calhcuns in Minneapolis. The
solar boom is fueled by a state has requiring investor-owned
utilities to generate 1.5 percent of their electricity from the sun by
2020.
Lame solar gardens are on the use, but sties and
n ighborhoods worry that pmiert"alues will tlmp. and urban
planning will be more dlfil
Jim Mone - Associated Press,
But Chuck Muller, who lives 5 miles east of Marshall in southwest Minnesota, said the nearly 500 acres of solar panels
proposed on an adjacent farm will create a prairie of glass on three sides of his property.
"I won't have a view anymore 'Said Muller, a maintenance worker at the local school district "My main concern Is What is
this going to do to my property value?' Nobody isgoing to want to be out here and be basically surrounded by asolar farm:'
Just down the road, fourth-generation farmer Janelle Gaurta said she and her husband, John, were alarmed when a neighbor
matle a deal with solar developer NendEm Energy Resources. "Honestly, our biggest concern is Nat we are trading off green
growing fields that provide food, she said.
Some cities in onstate Minnesota have objected to solar projects because they're proposed on land slated for expansion. In
Zumbrota, a sito for a proposed solar energy project is In an area where state and local governments invested $22 million in
road upgrades for industrial and commercial development Other cities have invested in sewer and water lines that aren't
needed for solar generation
"It'snot that we don't want solea" said Jeff O'Neill, city administrator for Monticello, where another solar project planned on a
former golf course conflicts wit that city's plans for future homes and businesses. "Solar is fine in our back yard, just not In
our growth corridor where we have so much planned. -
Two bills in the stale Legislature aim to address the concerns. One bill, proposed by Mullets legislator, Rep. Chns
Swedzinski, R -Ghent, would require 400 feet of separation between solar projects and the nearest home. Rep. Jim
Newberger, R -Backer, has a separate bill to give county boards the power W approve or reject large solar energy generators.
That authority now rests with the stale Public Ufililies Commission for projects of 50 million waft or more.
Solar energy companies say they are working with residents and local governments to deal with concerns, which are
common with all energy projects from power plants to wind farms and pipelines.
"A lot ofwhat you are hearing are concerns about the unkri said Betsy Engelking, vice president for Entirebased
Geronimo Energy, which is planning solar projects across the state. fi3ftr is a really benign energy source. It has no noise_ It
has nothing spinning in the air. It doesn't emit anything. It doesn't use water, or produce dirty water.°
Geronimo and other companies have offered to screen solar panels from some homes with berms or plantings. Florida -based
NextEm has reduced the Marshall Solar project's footprint and increased distances tram residences, including Mullets home,
which will be 650 feet— more than two football fields —mom the project, said Steve Stengel, the company's spokesman.
"The community provided us feedback and we made positive changes; Stengel said in an interview.
Stengel said in... is no evidence that property values suffer from nearby solar projects. But Muller isnot convinced, and
wants NewFor a purchase his solar-suneunded home. The company has declined —antl is not obligated to buy him out.
"It is like David and Goliath,° Muller said. "We are just innocent people battling this great big billlon-dollar company"
In a recent environmental analysis of 24 solar sites proposed by Geronimo Energy for its Aurora Solar Project, the Minnesota
Commerce Department said that one on the edge of Plpestone is too close to residences, and four others— in Annandale,
Mayhew Lake, Wyoming and Zumbrota—are proposed in future development areas. But those shortcomings won't
automatically kill those projects, and ilia company says it's working to address all concerns.
Some of the conflict is about taxes. Solar panels don't raise assessed values like bned, and mortar. If the Zumbrota solar
project is built on a site along Hwy. 52, it likely would generate about $6,000 a year in energy, production fees and property
taxes. By comparison, a nearby cold -storage company pays more than $3001 a year in county antl local taxes for a
similar -size property.
Rosemount a city of 22,000 people In Dakota County prepared itself for solar by passing a solar ordinance, That put the city
In a good bargaining position when Geronimo Energy proposed up to 21 large solar gardens on 160 acres there. In
December, Geronimo agreed to pay Rosemount up to $25,000 annually to make up for the low tax rate on solar projects. The
ordinance also keeps the door open for residential or commercial development on the site after 25 years.
Monticello also Is negotiating wit a solar developer, Minnetonka -based Sunrise Energy Ventures, and both sides say the
talks are going well. The company, led by managing director Dean Leischow, is proposing up to 50 large solar gardens on a
former golf course west of the city.
That project, like several other planned solar parks, is in an -orderly annexation area" — property that Monticello planned to
annex for future development.
Ceisoltow, said the project may end up being smaller tan once planned, and the city potentially could get some of to
project's output to offset As electricity bills..
I am optimistic," Leischow said The city has been very cooperative"
http://www.startribune.corn/printarticle/lid=297894931
Page 1 of 2
3/30/2015
StarTribune - Print Page Page 2 of 2
David Shaffer • e12-573-7090 • @ShafferSi
® 2015 sear Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=297894931 3/30/2015