Conservation Tools

This code gives the requirements for what must be included in a solar access easement.

Design guidelines for the installation of solar panels on historic structures. Solar installations should meet solar access requirements while maintaining the integrity of historic resources. Consideration should always be given to solutions that protect historic features, materials, and spatial relationships with the visibility of all solar energy installations – including solar panels – minimized to the greatest extent possible.

Guidance on establishing zoning regulations for non-commercial solar and wind systems that expands on the content available in the ConservationTools.org guide "Zoning for Non-Commercial Solar and Wind Systems."

In 2007, a meeting was convened to discuss the issue and develop a strategy for mitigating the impact of overly restrictive codes and ordinances. This is a draft model ordinance developed through these discussions.

Provides basic descriptions of solar and wind energy systems.

This guide offers an inventory of some alternative energy ordinances (local, national, and model ordinances) and basic information about industry standards from various websites to help local municipalities in the process of creating and implementing alternative energy policy in comprehensive plans and ordinances. The renewable energy sources discussed in this guide are large and small-scale solar energy, large- and small- scale wind energy, accessory and regional anaerobic digesters, geothermal, and outdoor wood-fired boilers.

The guide introduces basic concepts related to small scale solar PV installations, outlines the regulations and permitting process adopted by municipalities participating in the Western PA Rooftop Solar Challenge and contains a model zoning ordinance and model permitting application.

This is a sample solar access easement that's purpose is ensuring adequate access of solar energy collection devices to sunlight, any person may grant a solar access easement.

Sample zoning ordinances governing solar energy uses from the City of Erie,

The purpose of this guide is to provide consumers with the basic information about small wind electric systems so that they can decide if wind energy will work.

This guide introduces solar energy system technology while addressing relevant issues and local government’s role in facilitating and regulating solar energy systems in existing construction. It is intended as a primer for local government officials, code officials, engineers and solicitors.

Zoning ordinance from the Borough of Pottstown governing solar energy uses.

Zoning ordinance governing solar energy uses from the City of Erie.

This model ordinance was designed to address the use of small-scale solar photovoltaic systems in a municipality by permitting them as an accessory use in any zoning district. 7 pp.

The wind energy ordinance for East Pennsboro Township, PA.

Manheim’s wind ordinance is notable for requiring an engineering report.