Carolinas DASH

Solar Energy Facility: A facility consisting of one or more Solar Energy Systems on one or more parcels (1) where the purpose of such Solar Energy Systems is generating photovoltaic power as a commercial enterprise including, but not limited to “solar farms,” or (2) where such Solar Energy System or series of Solar Energy Systems has a capacity rating of one megawatt or greater. This definition does not include Solar Energy Systems that are installed on a parcel where the primary purpose of such Solar Energy System is the generation of photovoltaic power for consumption on such parcel or for distribution to the energy grid to obtain credits against energy consumed on such parcel, except where the capacity rating of such Solar Energy System or series of Solar Energy Systems is one megawatt or greater.

Clarendon County, South Carolina defines solar energy facility as a facility consisting of one or more Solar Energy Systems on one or more parcels for the purpose of generating photovoltaic power as a commercial enterprise. Sites must be a minimum of fives acres. Facilities must be setback at least 100 feet from the property line and 200 feet if the adjacent parcel is residential, solar panels and other generating systems must be setback at least 500 feet. Setback requirements may be decreased based on consent from the owner of the adjoining property or increased based on the Planning Commission’s review. Each facility must include a minimum six-foot fence and a 25-foot wide landscape buffer along all exterior property lines. Vegetative buffers must creates a year-round screen of at least six feet in height over a three year growing season and not less than 20 feet in height at maturity, which includes low-lying vegetation to fill in gaps between taller vegetation. Buffers should include a variety of native evergreen species and incorporate existing trees where possible. There is a 15-foot height restriction and panels shall be designed so as not to produce glare that would constitute a nuisance. To the maximum extent feasible, all lighting shall be controlled bу motion detectors or other means of ensuring that lighting is not continuously in use, and should be fully shielded and downcast. Once operational, the noise level of the site from the exterior property line should not exceed 55 decibels. Developers must submit detailed decommissioning plans, including cost estimates updated every five years, and maintain 150% of estimated costs as a performance guarantee. A zoning certificate, site plan, and planting plan are all required. Additionally, the county prohibits sites located within five miles of the airport or Lake Marion. No additional zoning certificates for solar facilities may be issued once certificates have been issued for an aggregate acreage of 3,900 acres. The county has taken action on solar development in the past, including ‘and a three-month moratorium (Ord. 2024-01).