Solar Energy Device Review
The City is currently reviewing and considering amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to include regulations for building mounted solar energy devices, commonly known as solar panels or solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems.
There are about 300 microgeneration solar PV systems in Edmonton that produce enough electricity to power approximately 280 households annually! The majority of the systems are small scale roof-mounted systems on houses.
More solar energy technology within our community contributes to building local energy resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To that end, the City of Edmonton is looking to make it easier for homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs.
What's Changing?
Currently, there are few regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to regulate the construction of solar energy devices. There is a definition for Renewable Energy Devices, which includes a definitions of Solar-electrical (PV) and Solar Thermal systems but there are no rules about how or where these devices can be installed.
To encourage increased installation of building mounted solar energy devices and positive development outcomes, the Zoning Bylaw team is partnering with the City Environmental Strategies group to make the permit review process as transparent and efficient as possible.
Establishing Zoning Bylaw regulations for building-mounted solar energy devices ensures homeowners, applicants, neighbours and the City understand where and what size of systems can be constructed. With a clear understanding of what can and can’t be built, impacts on neighbours can be largely avoided and the development review process can become more efficient by eliminating redundant permitting processes.
Project Stage
This project is currently at the information gathering stage.
Following the information stage, draft amendments will be developed for City Council’s consideration. It is anticipated these changes will be presented to Council in fall 2016.
Stakeholder Engagement
A stakeholder meeting was held in May 2016, with community, solar industry and utility groups. Stakeholder engagement details are provided in the Solar Energy Device Review Meeting Summary document.
For stakeholders who were unable to attend the meeting, a June Mixed Topic Survey was available from June 14 to 21, 2016. Feedback from the survey will be used to inform the Text Amendment process.
Residents can also share their views directly with members of City Council when the project is presented to Council in fall 2016. More information will be provided as dates are set.
For More Information
Adam Sheahan
| Title | Planner, Zoning Bylaw Implementation |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-2582 |
| adam.sheahan@edmonton.ca |
