Orange County NC Website
14 <br /> OCS:There are plans underway to replace roof membranes on 3 schools this summer which may make <br /> them good candidates for solar. OCS staff wants to ensure that the installation of solar panels will not <br /> complicate the roof replacement work which has already been bid out and approved. <br /> OCS staff also pointed out that they already own and operate solar panels on the auxiliary gym at Cedar <br /> Ridge, and there are plans underway for a new addition at that school which might also make a good <br /> candidate for solar to be included in the design. <br /> CHCCS: Northside Elementary is likely to be the best location for a rooftop solar installation since it has: <br /> • The proper orientation <br /> • Solar-ready construction (i.e. -already has electrical conduit installed to accommodate a rooftop <br /> solar installation) <br /> • A flat roof with decades of life left in the roof membrane <br /> • A current emphasis on environmental education <br /> 9. Does installing a solar energy system on a roof impact the roof's warranty? <br /> No. When installed per the specifications of the roof system manufacturer, a solar array will not void <br /> the roof's warranty. When there is no pre-existing specification are for a particular combination of <br /> solar and roof systems, solar companies can work directly with the roof system manufacturer on a <br /> case-by-case basis.The maintenance of roof warranties can be written as a requirement in an RFP. <br /> 10. Are there any relevant restrictions on solar in our Unified Development Ordinance(UDO)? <br /> A third-party review of the solar regulations within Orange County's UDO was conducted in 2017 <br /> when the County was being certified as a SolSmart community at the Silver Level.According to that <br /> review at that time,there were several sections that might influence the design,function, and <br /> aesthetics of a school solar array depending on its size,type, and location. Orange County <br /> Sustainability staff plans to reach out to Planning staff for an updated review during the creation of <br /> the County's climate action plan. <br /> With more than 500 solar installations of various sizes currently operating throughout Orange <br /> County, solar developers are finding ways to work with Orange County's regulations. <br />