Solar energy system: components and subsystems required to convert solar energy into electric or thermal energy suitable for use. Includes the area of the system inside any fencing. Divided into three levels depending on roof versus ground mounted status, area, zoning district; utility scale generally falls into Level 2 and Level 3 (Level 1 is < 1 acre or on a building/hardscape area covering).
Level 2: ground-mounted system not in Level 1 that meets the area restriction of (1) R-A (residential agricultural): SES ≤ 1/2 acres.(2) HB (highway business): SES ≤ 10 acres.(3) LI (light industrial): SES of any size.(4) HI (heavy industrial): SES of any size.(5) EHI (enhances heavy industrial): SES of any size. (6) O&I (office and institutional): SES ≤ 10 acres.(7) AP (airport district): SES ≤ 10 acres.
Level 3: All other systems.

150 foot setback from front property line or road right of way. 50 foot setback from side and rear property lines, as well as water bodies, wetlands, or other setbacks required by the Army Corps of Engineers. 200 foot setback from adjacent churches, schools, businesses, or other similar structures. All electrical substations and battery backup must be 200 feet from any property line, residence, church, school, business, or other similar structure. Setback with a radius of one-quarter mile from the point where the centerline of Interstate 95 intersects with the centerline of NC Highway 903, NC Highway 561, NC Highway 481, NC Highway 125 and U.S. Highway 158.

Level 2 and 3 must have security fence.

25 feet for level 2 and 3 systems.

N/A

A level 2 or 3 system that ceases to produce energy on a continuous basis for a year will be considered abandoned unless the owner provides substantial evidence of intent to maintain and reinstate operation.

Level 2 or 3 systems > 10 acres must follow applicable development standards in districts HB, LB, NSD, LI, HI, EHI, and AP; must have a special use permit in districts RA, RA-12, RA-8, R-6, LR, GC, TC, O&I, and PUD.

N/A

February 17, 2025

Halifax County, NC, defines solar energy systems as components used to convert solar energy into electric or thermal energy, categorized into three levels based on mounting type, size, and zoning. Systems greater than 10 acres require a special use permit in certain zones and must follow applicable development standards in other zones. Key requirements include setbacks of 150 feet from the front property line or road right-of-way; 50 feet from side and rear property lines or water bodies and wetlands; 200 feet from churches, schools, businesses, or similar structures; and 200 feet for electrical substations and battery backups from any property line, residence, church, school, or business. Components must have a UL listing and must be designed with anti-reflective coating. Level 2 and 3 systems must have a security fence and be surrounded by 1 of 3 options for opaque evergreen vegetation, all of which must be or reach a height of 10 feet in 5 years. Height is limited to 25 feet for these systems. The county had a solar moratorium from October 2024 to February 2025, which has now ended. Decommissioning and other operational standards also defer to state standards. Responsible parties must notify the county of any ownership changes.