Carolinas DASH

Solar Energy Facility: facility consisting of one or more solar energy systems on one or more parcels where the purpose is the generation of PV power as a commercial enterprise including but not limited to solar farms, or where such systems has a capacity rating of 1 MW or greater. Does not include systems where the primary purpose is generation for consumption on the same parcel or for distribution to the grid for credits.

Saluda County, SC, defines solar energy facilities as a facility consisting of one or more solar energy systems on one or more parcels where the purpose is the generation of PV power as a commercial enterprise including but not limited to solar farms, or where such systems has a capacity rating of 1 MW or greater. Facilities must be setback 50 feet from adjoining property lines and road right of ways and 200 feet from nearest residence, church, or school. A continuous vegetated buffer is required to screen the facility from adjacent public road rights of way, residences, churches, and/or schools. The buffer must be along all sides along the exterior of the six foot security fence or wall and must meet one of the following standards: (1) on site mature vegetation averaging 10 feet in height; (2) a single row of evergreens in combination with mature vegetation installed at a height of five feet achieving opaqueness and an average height of 15 fet, or at least 2 feet higher than the highest solar panel in 5 years; or (3) a double row of offset evergreens absent mature vegetation, installed at a height of 5 feet achieving opaqueness an an average height of 15 feet, or at least 2 feet higher than the highest solar panel, in five years. The maximum height of these facilities is 20 feet and panels must be located and situated so glare is not a hazard to traffic or residences and collectors designed with anti-reflective coating. All lighting must be shielded or directed downward to prevent noxious glare. A decommissioning plan is required and must include the anticipated life, estimated decommissioning costs, method for ensuring that funds will be available, and anticipated manner in which facility will be decommissioned and restored. A performance guarantee in the form of a surety, performance bond, certified check or irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $50,000 or 125% of the estimated decommissioning cost is required. Following a continuous six-month period in which no electricity is generated or sold, facilities will have six months to decommission, which includes the removal of panels, buildings, cabling, electrical components, and any other associated facilities. Upon failure of an owner or operated to remedy a violation within 30 days of receiving notice, the SC Department of Environmental Services may impose civil penalties and require remediation. Penalties may be between $100 – $5,000 per day of noncompliance.