Carolinas DASH

Solar Farm Facility: a facility used to convert solar energy into electrical power for interconnection with a utility power grid for off-site energy consumption and may also be referred to as a solar farm, solar energy generation facility, solar power plant, or solar photovoltaic farm. The use of solar collectors for personal or business consumption that occurs on site is not a solar farm.

Hertford County, NC, regulates solar development under its ordinance defining solar farms as systems primarily intended to convert solar energy into electricity for off-site consumption. These facilities must be located on parcels of at least 25 acres, with a 200-foot setback from all property lines and rights-of-way, and a 1,000-foot setback from scenic byways. Construction or disturbance is prohibited within 150 feet of wetlands or streams. A 6-foot chain link fence is required, along with a vegetative buffer consisting of 25 feet of native shrubs and 100 feet of native evergreen trees, planted 5–8 feet apart, which must reach 10 feet in height and achieve full opacity within 5 years. Height is limited to 15 feet. A decommissioning plan must be submitted with the permit application, outlining anticipated lifespan, removal method, cost estimate, and financial assurance; facilities are considered abandoned after 6 months without energy production. Prior solar moratorium adopted in October 2020.