Technology Definition
Solar Installation: A ground-mounted photovoltaic solar facility with components and subsystems that generate electricity from sunlight, to be sold to a utility provider and an inter-connection with the local utility power grid. The area of the facility includes all the land inside the perimeter of the system, which extends to any fencing, land area required for setbacks, landscaping, and signage.
Setbacks
500 ft, measured as the distance between the security fence and the property boundary, from incorporated areas and platted subdivisions. 500 ft, measured as the distance between the security fence and the edge of the identified structure, for any existing structure on the property of churches, schools, hospitals, and residences.
Fencing
The security fence of the Solar Installation shall be set back a minimum of 250 feet from all residential or commercial property lines, 150 feet from public rights-of-way, and 75 feet from all other property lines, and the required buffer area shall be located between the property line and security fence
Buffer
A continuous vegetative buffer yard must be installed or retained on all sides of the development, must be on the exterior of the security fence, must be maintained for the life of the Solar Installation, shall be designed by a landscape architect registered in South Carolina and must consist of one of the types of buffers defined below: a)Existing mature vegetation with an average height of 8 feet and with a mix of plants sufficient to provide an opaque year-round screen. b)Where existing vegetation does not exist or does not achieve year-round opaqueness, a double row of offset evergreen trees installed with an 8 feet minimum height and achieving opaqueness within 3 years of installation, or a soil berm with evergreen trees and/or shrubs that provides a minimum height of 8 feet of opaque screening above the existing grade will be permitted. c)An alternative buffer approach that utilizes the full width of the setback shall be considered, which utilizes a combination of existing vegetation and/or successional re-growth vegetation with native plantings and is divided into zones. Figures 1 and 2 display the approach for this alternate buffer approach. Special procedure for streamside buffers
Height Restrictions
Except for poles, lines, and other equipment necessary to connect the solar Installation to the electrical utility grid, including communications and data collection equipment, no structure shall achieve a height of greater than 15 feet.
Visual Restrictions
Solar panels are to be located and situated so glare is not a hazard to traffic or residences; a statement from a qualified engineer experienced with Solar Installations must be submitted with the building permit application. The applicant must demonstrate that the Solar Installation shall not unreasonably interfere with the view of, or from publicly accessible sites of significant public interest such as public parks, rivers and other historic or natural resources.
Decommissioning Plan
Include anticipated life of installation, estimated decommissioning costs, methods for ensuring funds, and manner of decommissioning and restoration, and anticipated manner in which the installation will be decommissioned and the site restored
Decommissioning Requirements
Occurs after a continuous 6 months of no electricity generation. Permit holder will have six months to decommission, includes removal of panels, buildings, cabling, electrical components, and other associated facilities
Decommissioning Financial Assurance
Performance guarantee (surety or performance bond issued by an insurance carrier licensed in the State of South Carolina and carrying an A.M. Best rating of not less than "A", certified check or irrevocable letter of credit) in the amount of $50,000 or 125% of estimated decommissioning cost, minus salvage value of equipment on the site
Planning and Applications
N/A
Community Engagement
At least one public hearing is required, having at least 15 days notice of time and place in a newspaper of general circulation
Date of Last Revision
November 27, 2023
Date of Last Verification
August 21, 2025
Summary
Calhoun County, SC, regulates ground-mounted photovoltaic solar installations designed to generate electricity for resale and connect to the local power grid. Key setbacks include 500 feet from incorporated areas, subdivisions, and sensitive structures (churches, schools, hospitals, residences), and 250 feet from residential or commercial property lines to the security fence. The security fence itself must be set back 150 feet from public rights-of-way and 75 feet from other property lines, with a continuous vegetative buffer yard outside the fence required to provide year-round opaque screening, designed by a registered landscape architect. Structures, except for utility connection equipment, cannot exceed 15 feet in height. Solar panels must be sited to avoid glare hazards and must not unreasonably interfere with views of public parks, rivers, or historic/natural sites. Decommissioning is required after six months of inactivity, with a six-month timeframe to remove all equipment and restore the site. A performance guarantee of $50,000 or 125% of estimated decommissioning costs (minus salvage value) is required. A public hearing with at least 15 days’ notice is mandatory before approval. The county has also adopted a six-month moratorium on solar development in unincorporated areas. Additionally, solar sites must comply with the South Carolina Solar Habitat Act, maintain approved seed mixes, protect wetlands, and use wildlife-friendly fencing without barbed wire.
