Public Hearing Set for New Solar Panel Ordinance

The Upper St. Clair commissioners Monday night scheduled a public hearing for March 4 on a solar panel ordinance amendment.

The "model ordinance" creation was funded by the Department of Energy. About two dozen other municipalities in Allegheny County and Penn Future took part in coming up with the ordinance.

The "model ordinance" for the two-dozen municipalities places regulations and restrictions on solar photovoltaic systems and is expected to ease the process for installers. As of now, the approval process can be lengthy for residents and installers.

A Penn Future representative previously told the Upper St. Clair Planning Commission that residential use of solar panels is on the rise in the area. He said there is plenty of sun in Pittsburgh to produce energy.

Director of Community Development Scott Brilhart previously told the planning commissioners that about six residents have asked for approval to add solar panels to their properties in the township.

The amendment would restrict where residents can put solar panels on their property, and require screening and setbacks. Solar panels on the front of a roof would be required to be parallel to the roof and no panels would be allowed to go over the height of the roof. Signage and advertising would also be prohibited.