N. Aurora OKs solar, wind-energy options

Residents and businesses in North Aurora can now use solar panels to provide energy.

But wind turbines will be more limited.

The village board agreed Monday to allow people to install solar water-heating systems, solar energy-collection panels and solar shingles on roofs. But no free-standing systems will be allowed, and solar panels will not be allowed on the front-facing portion of the roof.

As for small wind-energy systems, they will now be allowed in the estate rural zoning districts, where the minimum lot size is 3 acres. No free-standing systems will be allowed in those districts. The system may not extend more than 15 feet above the roof.

The systems are also allowed in nonresidential districts, either on roofs or ground mounts.

"My only concern is that we are being a little too restrictive," Trustee Chris Faber said of the wind energy systems. Allowing them only on houses on large lots means most of the town won't be eligible. "The technology changes every day," he said, noting there are new styles of wind turbines that are less than 8 feet tall.

To install such a turbine anywhere other than on an estate home, the owner would have to ask the village to amend its zoning ordinance, not just seek a variance or special-use permit.