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3 <br /> RES-2015-046 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> Resolution of Support for Small Solar <br /> Whereas, the widespread adoption of solar technology would reduce the necessity to build <br /> additional nuclear or fossil-fuel generating plants with their attendant problems; and <br /> Whereas, the County has endorsed the development of a pilot solar photovoltaic system <br /> within its own County facilities; and <br /> Whereas, the County's 2030 Comprehensive Plan establishes several goals and objectives <br /> encouraging the development of alternative energy sources in accordance with applicable <br /> land use regulations; and <br /> Whereas, the price of small residential solar voltaic arrays has recently fallen and kits <br /> containing all of the necessary electrical components have become readily available, and <br /> Whereas, recent local efforts to promote the development of small residential solar have <br /> been successful, including the Solarize Orange project which has resulted in new solar <br /> installations on over 150 homes and small businesses across Orange County in 2014 and <br /> 2015; and <br /> Whereas, the average residential solar array installed in Orange County over the past 2 <br /> years is approximately 5 kilowatts, and solar installations up to 20 kilowatts are allowed as <br /> an accessory use for a residential property; and <br /> Whereas, Orange County has previously adopted comprehensive land use regulations in <br /> order to distinguish the permit submittal and review process for small residential solar <br /> projects and large, commercial, solar utility operations in an effort to further promote the <br /> development of small residential solar facilities; and <br /> Whereas, the County wishes to empower the residents of Orange County to take advantage <br /> of these recent advances in this promising renewable energy technology; <br /> Now Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, declare our support for <br /> this technology and direct the County Manager and staff to encourage and facilitate its <br /> adoption by individual residents. <br /> This 15th day of September, 2015. <br /> Attest: <br /> Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board Earl McKee, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />