Solar rules

A rare inquiry into installing solar panels on a home in Vernon Hills has raised the question about how the village should regulate them.

Building Commissioner Mike Atkinson is scheduled to discuss solar energy systems with the village board during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive.

Solar power is not specifically governed in village ordinances but it is expected to grow in popularity with residents.

“If someone puts a solar panel up on their roof, you can see it,” Atkinson said. “It's not like a basement remodeling.”

A new state law “The Homeowners Solar Rights Act”, which becomes effective Jan. 1, essentially prevents homeowner and condo associations from adopting measures that would prevent residents from installing such systems.

That becomes significant to village officials as there are more than 70 property management associations in town. While associations have some control over the placement of the systems, other aspects would fall to the village.

Atkinson is seeking direction from the board on the topic, as well as whether to send a letter to homeowner associations informing them of the new legislation.

He said the new law does not prevent the village from requiring permits or performing inspections, but requests would not require a public hearing or approval by the village board.

Solar energy uses could be allowed under existing regulations that govern accessory uses, height, setbacks and other requirements, he added.

“We would ask for a building permit and we think we can regulate it with our existing ordinances,” he said.

Atkinson said the recent inquiry regarding a solar energy system is the only one he has encountered in four years with the village. Interest generally appears to be growing.

The Illinois Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program, for example, offers incentives of up to 30 percent of the total project cost for residential and businesses up to $50,000. The 2010-11 budget, which ends June 30, is $1.5 million.

“We've already closed it because we've had so many applications,” said Wayne Hartel, who manages the program for the state Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

In Gurnee, the village's plan commission and zoning board of appeals has scheduled a joint public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at village hall, 325 N. O'Plaine Road, to discuss potential regulations related to solar panels.

The proposed regulations apply to building-mounted and free-standing panels on residential and nonresidential lots.