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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201900089 Other 2019-07-30 9. Avoid disjointed and multi-roof solutions. Panels should be set at angles consistent with the slope of the supporting roof. For example, avoid solutions that would set panels at 70 degree angles when the roof slopes at a 45 degree angle. In addition, panels should be located on a single roof and arranged in a pattern that matches the configuration of the roof upon which they are mounted. 10.Ensure that solar panels, support structures and conduits blend into the resource. The visibility of solar panels and support structures can be substantially reduced if the color matches the historic resource and reflectivity is minimized. Figure 5. National Trust for Historic Preservation guidance in the application of solar panels on historic properties47 According to the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC), there are a handful of local jurisdictions that have adopted detailed application review guidelines for the installation of solar panels in historic districts.42 The National Trust for Historic Preservation collected examples of municipalities and their solar guidelines relating to historic properties as a component to a policy guide: Practical Approaches to Installing Solar Technology on Historic Properties. See Table 3 for a summary of guidelines used across the United States.43 Table 3. Local Solar Panel Guidelines in Use across the United States" Jurisdiction Description Contact Information Alexandria, Alexandria provides guidance on the use of solar Planning and Zoning Department Virginia collectors as part of its Design Guidelines for the City of Alexandria Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker 301 King Street, Rm. 2100 Gray District, adopted in 1993. Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-746-3833 Website: www.alexandriava.gov Boulder, Along with developing a "Green Points System"for Planning & Development Services/ Colorado new development projects, Boulder has adopted Long Range Planning guidelines on using solar collectors and improving City of Boulder overall energy efficiency as part of its Design 1739 Broadway Guidelines for Historic Districts and Landmarks. Boulder, CO 80302 See § 3.1 and 8.3.4. It has also prepared a Tel: 706-542-4731 "Historic Building Energy Efficiency Guide." Website: www.bouldercolorado.gov 41 National Trust for Historic Preservation."Practical Approaches to Installing Solar Technology on Historic Properties."2011. 42 The Alliance Review,National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.Athens,GA."Going Green: Solar Panels in Historic Districts."March/April 2008. 43 National Trust for Historic Preservation."Practical Approaches to Installing Solar Technology on Historic Properties."2011. `14 Ibid. 6U Lk (�e 21 Breckenridge, The town has developed a"Solar Panel Policy"for Community Development Colorado projects on structures located in its conservation Department district(which includes the historic district). As of Town of Breckenridge January 1, 2009, all development projects in 150 Ski Hill Road Breckenridge must comply with its sustainable Breckenridge, CO 80424 building code. Tel: 970-453-3160 Website: www.townofbreckenridqe.com Eureka Eureka Springs proactively developed guidelines to City of Eureka Springs Springs, achieve both the goal of historic preservation and Eureka Springs City Hall Arkansas energy conservation. These guidelines are meant 44 S. Main to ensure that one goal is not achieved at the Eureka Springs,AR 72632 expense of the other. Tel:479-253-9703 Website. www.cityofeurekasprings.orq Grand The city's preservation commission takes into Grand Rapids Historic Rapids, consideration five factors in evaluating solar panel Preservation Commission Michigan installation, including the structure's historic City of Grand Rapids character and architectural importance, the 1120 Monroe Ave., N.W. purpose of the installation, alternative means to 2nd Floor conserve energy, visibility from adjacent public Grand Rapids, MI 49503 streets and adjoining properties, and the project's Tel: 616-456-3451 design and compatibility with the structure. Website: www.grand-rapids.mi.us Howard Howard County has developed guidelines on the Howard County Department of County, use of solar panels in historic districts in an effort to Planning and Zoning Maryland achieve balance between historic preservation and 3430 Court House Drive energy conservation measures.Titled "Use of Ellicott City, MD 21043 Solar Panels and Other Solar Devices in Historic Tel: 410-313-4428 Districts,"the guidelines identify both recommended and discouraged actions. Website: www.howardcountymd.gov Montgomery The county's preservation commission includes Montgomery County Historic County, design guidelines for the installation of solar panels Preservation Office Maryland in its design guidelines. While solar panels are Montgomery County Planning permissible, they must be located "in unobtrusive Department places,"with preference given to locations away 8787 Georgia Ave. from the public view and on the grounds of the Silver Spring, MD 20910 resource, new construction, and secondary Tel: 301-563-3400 resources. Website: www.montgomeryplanning.org 22 Ypsilanti, The Ypsilanti Historic Preservation Commission Planning and Development Michigan has developed a number of fact sheets, including Department one on alternative energy systems. This fact sheet City of Ypsilanti provides guidance on the installation of solar City Hall, 4th Floor power systems based on the Secretary of the One South Huron Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Tel: 734-483-9646 Website: www.cityofypsilanti.com 5 Process for Implementation The steps, challenges, and solutions associated with the process for implementing solar PV projects on historic buildings and in historic districts were identified during the aforementioned workshop held in June 2010. Through large and small group discussions at the workshop, a process was devised for the successful implementation of solar PV projects. The steps identified in this process are: V , •Identify potential projects and stakeholders ♦ 4 . •Engage stakeholders • 40 • •Follow appropriate review requirements ♦ •Implement projects • 40 •Evaluate impact of completed project. , ♦ Each step in the process is outlined below in the following steps. 5.1 Step 1: Identify Potential Projects and Stakeholders When considering PV on a historic building or in a historic district, it is essential to identify relevant stakeholders and potential project locations. Identifying Stakeholders An initial step is to determine whether the property has been designated as historic at the local, state, or national level. The designation of a property will determine which set of stakeholders to engage. Projects will have a greater chance of success with abundant stakeholder contributions and advance logistical and technical considerations. 23 1 City of Foster City III _ SOLAR GUIDELINES A. Purpose & General Design Statements Over the years, the City's design policies and criteria for solar energy collector installations, particularly for swimming pool heating and domestic hot water, have evolved, providing a sound basis for the review of solar collector installations. The guidelines herein have been compiled and updated from the original solar design guidelines that were adopted by the Planning Commission in May 1977, and respond to the ever- changing technology in solar(energy)systems The guidelines are, at times, necessarily broad to provide adequate flexibility and various design alternatives for the professional solar collector installer to achieve an attractive installation. It is intended that the solar collector design guidelines and recommended conditions be periodically evaluated and amended as needed in order to respond to changing standards The Planning Commission has established the following general design statements for solar collector installation which are the basis for the specific guidelines and recommended conditions of approval for a solar collector installation These statements are listed in general order of importance, and should be considered when submitting an application for a solar collector installation. B. General Solar Design Statements 1. The City encourages energy conservation and the use of solar energy collectors as alternative energy sources, but also recognizes the necessity for good design to protect and enhance the property values and appearance of the community. 2. The City requires that solar collector installations provide the best possible integration with the design of the building and the least possible negative visual impact upon the neighborhood. 3. In new residential planned developments, the City requires that 1) solar collectors be provided for common swimming pools and 2)the developer submit guidelines to the City for coordinated(prototype) design of individual solar collector installation. 4. Upon reviewing applications, the City will be more flexible in design requirements for water and space heating systems designed to serve a dwelling than it will for systems designed to serve a swimming pool or jacuzzi/spa. This is because systems used for water and space heating are considered necessities and pools/spas are considered luxuries. Page 38 U. Architectural and Solar Guidelines C. Specific Guidelines 1. Solar Collectors flIt a. Solar collectors and related solar hardware shall integrate proportionately, harmoniously and logically with the building/residence and its roof structure: i) Collectors located with high public exposure (e g., the front-facing roof slope, on waterfront-facing properties or along public rights-of-way) will be subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and design integration with the building/residence than collectors on NO- Collector is not proportionately placed on the other less visible areas. roof. ii) In order to achieve a unified appearance, collectors shall be installed to form a cohesive(grouped)design unit with framing. fj iii) Collectors shall appear as an integral part .�. of the building's design iv) In order to provide balance and integrity to the roof form, collectors shall be centered on or proportionately placed on the roof. v) Unless blocked from public view by a ---� —'- r screening device (e.g., parapet wall), YES- Collector is proportionately placed on the collectors shall be placed perpendicular or roof parallel to the roof ridge line Nye 39 City of"Foster City b. Solar collectors shall be flush-mounted and shall not extend above any (roof) ridge line nor be visible beyond such ridge line from a reasonable �s vantage point on the ground. � w NO- Top of collector is visible above the ridge line YES- Collector is placed below the ridge line Page 40 Architectural and Solar Guidelines c. Arrays of solar collectors with large gaps between the collectors or with inconsistent spacing between the collectors are strongly discouraged. i) Placement of trim material between panels (e.g., plastic strips between the gaps of 1 f • plastic panels or matching metal plates — between metal-framed collectors, or wood- framing around the panels) is encouraged to achieve a uniform, cohesive installation, particularly on publicly visible roofs. NO- Gaps are left between collectors. a 11 Er Lidill= YES- Gaps between collectors are filled in with matching materials Page 41 City of Foster City d. Two or more rows of panels shall be closely grouped to each other. / WI A e Solar collectors shall not straddle two or more Av. roof pitches. • NO- Collector stradles two roof pitches. �a ig^ ^00.000#0,- YES- Collectors are closely grouped on the same roof slope. f. Racked Solar Collectors. i) Solar collectors on racks (with a height c above the ridge of a pitched roof) are discouraged and will require Planning i 01 Commission approval. ii) Racked solar collectors on flat roofs will require 1) the frame rack mounts to be enclosed with a suitable roof or siding NO- Rack mounts are exposed and collectors are material that is compatible with and matches at different angles. the exterior finish and color of the residence/ building, 2) the solar structure(s) to be centrally located on the roof, away from the edges of the roof, and public visibility shall be alleviated to the maximum degree possible iii) The collectors to be proportionately placed i 0 in relation to the building YES- Rack mounts are enclosed to match the roof. Page 42 Architectural and Solar Guidelines g. Glazed solar collectors shall be designed to �— reduce reflective glare to nearby residences and r— 1 streets. Proper orientation, height, screening, /4. angle of glazing or non-glare (e.g., river glass) glazing shall be provided to avoid reflective glare. - 71- h. All support stringers below the collectors shall be cut flush with the ends of the collector array. Angle braces shall also be installed flush with NO- Wood support stringers not flush with the collector ends. collectors. i All visible support stringers, braces, and tie- downs shall be painted to match the color of the solar collector or the roof surface. Z71 YES- Wood support stringers are flush with collectors. 2. Solar Piping a Visibility of the piping of the roof shall be i) Feed and return pipes located on the roof and minimized to the maximum degree possible by along the walls of a residence shall be closely consolidating the pipes, placing them within the consolidated. structure or screening them in a manner consistent with the design of the solar collector ii) Pipe stubs to and from solar collectors shall be and the structure placed as close as possible to groupings of collectors (usually 3"or less). ni) It is encouraged that feed and return pipes be placed under the collectors, stubbed under the roof eave or located within the building rather than exposed above or below the collector grouping. Page 43 City of Foster City b All exterior piping shall be colored to match the adjacent surface. i) Muratic acid and/or a bonding primer shall be used on PVC/plastic pipes in order to 6" provide a secure bond for the painted pipes. ii) Pipes may be painted,provided that the paint coat is maintained throughout the life of the system NO- Exposed piping is not mounted flush with the roof. c All exposed piping shall be mounted flat against the roof. d. Tall roof flashings shall be avoided where solar pipes are stubbed through the roof. e. All exterior pipes shall run either perpendicular 311 or parallel to the roof lines. !L� f. Pipes shall be placed through, not over,the roof eaves YES- Exposed piping is mounted almost flush with g. Pipes shall not be placed over the ridge of the the roof roof. NO- Pipes are placed over the ridge of the roof ICE f r YES Page 44 Architectural and Solar Guidelines 3. Special/Unusual Solar Collector Designs a. Thermosyphon collectors(18"or taller). b. Unique designs, such as dishes, plastic bags, concave mirrors,and circular panels will require i) Design of the solar collector installation will Planning Commission approval be carefully scrutinized by the City and the solar collector ends shall be boxed/framed i) Plastic bag collectors and variously shaped where necessary. plastic tubing are normally unattractive and discouraged ii) If possible, solar collectors shall be located away from view of public rights-of-way. iii) Tube-shaped collectors shall be enclosed in a wood frame or with wood-shake siding designed to complement the residence. iv) Thermosyphon collectors will require a minimum setback from the ridge line of the roof equal to the height of the collectors. v) All exposed piping and plumbing fixtures on the storage tank and/or solar collectors shall be minimized and,where necessary,visually screened. Page 45 • City of Foster City D. Standard Conditions of Approval All projects shall meet the following applicable standard conditions unless specifically exempted by staff or the Planning Commission (note that additional conditions applicable to the particular proposal may be added by the City): 1 All exterior pipes,braces,wood support stringers, 8 Feed and return pipes running under the eave fascia trim, tie-downs and other visible solar overhang shall be painted to match the overhang. installation fixtures on the roof shall match the color of the solar roof 9. All exposed piping shall be mounted flat against the roof. 2. The solar panels shall be installed with a uniform gap and with the minimum of space (±3" 10 Prior to installation, a building permit shall be maximum) between the panels. obtained from the Building Division. 3. The solar collectors shall be designed to integrate 11. All construction shall be completed and proportionately,harmoniously and logically on the maintained in a professional manner and roof. appearance. 4. Groups of solar collectors shall be closely 12. All work shall be accomplished in substantial consolidated with each other. conformance to the approved plans. 5 The number of feed and return pipes on the roof 13. Prior to any final building inspection approval, shall be minimized as much as possible. these conditions and all improvements shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Planning 6. All piping shall be closely consolidated. staff. 7. All solar pipes along the building walls shall be painted to match the wall color. Page 46 Design Guidelines for Solar Installations 4/22/11 2 16 PM NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION Design Guidelines for Solar Installations In many cases, historic buildings, structures, and sites can be preserved while also accommodating solar energy installations. Indeed, as the need for renewable energy systems increases, technology evolves, political pressure to remove regulatory barriers mounts, and logistical problems are resolved, precluding the .w,,,,,p,—.. installation of solar energy systems may become indefensible. a�. Moreover, with incentives in place, applications to install solar and - other alternative energy systems within historic districts are likely to > _ increase dramatically. Just as state agencies and local R preservation boards developed policies and guidelines to address the needs of persons with disabilities, they should also develop Solar panels on the Spring Lake Inn in New Jersey. policies that encourage compatible and appropriate installations of Credit. Adrian Scott Fine solar energy systems. The following considerations can facilitate preservation boards and commissions in their review of solar panel requests and provide a foundation for the adoption of local guidelines related to solar energy installations. The primary objective of preservation ordinances is to preserve historic properties, so a preservation board should encourage project outcomes that meet solar access requirements while maintaining the integrity of historic resources. Consideration should always be given to solutions that protect historic features, materials, and spatial relationships with the visibility of all solar energy installations — including solar panels — minimized to the greatest extent possible. Locate solar panels on the site of a historic resource. If possible, use a ground-mounted solar panel array. Consider solutions that respect the building's historic setting by locating arrays in an inconspicuous location, such as a rear or side yard, low to the ground, and sensitively screened to further limit visibility. Care should be taken to respect the historic landscape, including both its natural (i.e. topography) and designed (i.e. materials) features. Locate solar panels on new construction. In cases where new buildings or new additions to historic buildings are proposed and approvable, encourage the placement of solar panels on the new construction. To achieve overall compatibility with the historic building and its setting, consider solutions that integrate the solar panel system in less visible areas of the new design. Locate solar panels on non-historic buildings and additions. If the site cannot accommodate solar panels and the project does not include new construction, consider placing solar panels on an existing, non-historic addition or accessory structure. This will minimize the impact of solar installation on the significant features of the historic resource http//www preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/solar-panels/design-guidelines.html Page 1 of 3 Design Guidelines for Solar Installations 4/22/11 2.16 PM and protect the historic fabric against alteration. Place solar panels in areas that minimize their visibility from a public thoroughfare. The primary facade of a historic building is often the most architecturally distinctive and publicly visible, and thus the most significant and character defining. To the greatest extent possible, avoid placing solar panels on street-facing walls or roofs, including those facing side streets. Installations below and behind parapet walls and dormers or on rear-facing roofs are often good choices. Avoid installations that would result in the permanent loss of significant, character-defining features of historic resources. Solar panels should not require alterations to significant or character-defining features of a historic resource, such as altering existing roof lines or dormers. Avoid installations that obstruct views of significant architectural features (such as overlaying windows or decorative detailing) or intrude on views of neighboring historic properties in an historic district. Avoid solutions that would require or result in the removal or permanent alteration of historic fabric. Solar panel installations should be reversible. The use of solar roof tiles, laminates, glazing, and other technologies that require the removal of intact historic fabric or that permanently alter or damage such fabric must be avoided. Consider the type and condition of the existing building fabric for which solar panels installation is proposed, as well as the method of attachment and future removal. Minimizing the number of points of attachment, including the use of brackets, will avoid damaging historic fabric. Require low profiles. Solar panels should be flush with — or mounted no higher than a few inches above — the existing roof surface. They should not be visible above the roofline of a primary facade. On flat roofs, set solar panels back from the edge. Because they are generally hidden from view, flat roofs can provide an ideal surface for solar panel arrays. To ensure that a solar installation is minimally visible, set the solar panels back from the roof's edge and adjust the angle and height of the panels as necessary. Avoid disjointed and multi-roof solutions. Solar panels should be set at angles consistent with the slope or pitch of the supporting roof. For example, avoid solutions that would set panels at a 70 degree angle when the roof pitch is 45 degrees. In addition, solar panels should be located on one roof plane (as opposed to scattered among several roofs) and arranged in a pattern that matches the general shape and configuration of the roof upon which they are mounted. Ensure that solar panels, support structures, and conduits blend into the surrounding features of the historic resource. The overall visibility and reflectivity of solar panels and their support structures can be substantially reduced if elements of the solar installation match the surrounding building fabric in color. 1785 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2117 tel 202.588.6000 800.944.6847 fax: 202.588 6038 ©2011 National Trust for Historic Preservation.All rights reserved. http//www preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/solar-panels/design-guidelines html Page 2 of 3 a 4* 'is • _ a1 1 lliance of Preservation Commissions • ••••••,w • • Sample Guidelines 4.....,:::::....,......: 0 0 ,... • •...•..•..• • • _•..•_.• • • . for Solar Systems . •••••- . E. . Ai , NAPC in Historic Districts w The rapidly growing trend toward retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient has brought an in- crease in the number of applications for installing solar energy systems on buildings within locally designated historic districts. The increase in solar systems applications in re- cent years has prompted numerous local preservation commissions to hastily develop guidelines for them with varying degrees of success. The following Sample Guidelines for Solar Systems for Locally Desig- nated Historic Properties were developed in 2009 by Kimberly Kooles, NAPC support staff and revised by Caty Rushing in 2011. They are intended to serve as a starting point for local preservation commissions developing their own guidelines for solar systems. ,, t!,,. / S- '4 r., r b '` i rt ' i ri. a0y 1 � .f i •.m \ ! rro- ti 7 i 4 :,__Ii ! _ L.:- ' 1 '' # r , ,- .,e. '''',-, .n e" C ' . f wi 0 • Types of Systems: ���� • Photovoltaic A photovoltaic system (or PV system) is .�. Lim �"_ al ki ` -� a system which uses one or more solar �� ! i � 111� ■� �MEI �� �. panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It consists of multiple components, includa�_.., ""° '°°"'"`. A� ` fit ' z ing the photovoltaic modules, mechanical ! 1. iipro , x and electrical connections and mountings .. _• and means of regulating and/or modifying the electrical output. • Solar Shingles Solar shingles, also called photovoltaic shingles, are solar cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are several varieties of solar shingles, including shingle-sized solid panels that take the place of a number of conventional shingles in a strip, semi-rigid designs containing several silicon solar cells that are sized more like conventional shingles, and newer systems using various thin film solar cell technologies that match conven- tional shingles both in size and flexibility III•s':. • Freestanding g Freestanding PV panels or freestanding arrays allow the benefits of renewable solar �_- power without disrupting the roofline or • altering the house. They are placed away from the residence and connected through an undergroud wiring. When a roof may / be blocked by trees or not recieving direct sunlight, the mobillity of a freestanding panel allows the ability to move into opti- mal sunlight areas that may change sea- sonally. Sample Guidelines for Solar Systems for LocallyProjectsDesi nated Historic g When planning the installation of solar panels the overall objec- tive is to preserve character-defining features and historic fabric while accommodating the need for solar access to the greatest extent possible. All solar panel installations must be considered on a case by case basis recognizing that the best option will de- pend on the characteristics of the property under consideration. Some guidelines apply to virtually all installation options and are repeated in each section. All solar panel installations should conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Applicable Standards are: Standard Two: The historic char- Standard Nine: New additions, acter of a property shall be retained and exterior alterations, or related new preserved. The removal of historic mate- construction shall not destroy historic rials or alteration of features and spaces materials that characterize the property. that characterize a property shall be The new work shall be differentiated avoided. from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and archi- tectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its envi- ronment. • 4. 0 1 Primary Elevations For most properties, locating solar panels on the primary facade is the least desirable op- tion because it will have the greatest adverse effect on the property's character defining fea- tures.All other options should be thoroughly explored. • Utilization of low-profile solar panels is recommended. Solar shingles laminates, glazing, or similar materials should not replace original or historic materials. Use of solar systems in windows or on walls, siding, and shutters should be avoided. • Panels should be installed flat and not These solar panels low profile and location make them alter the slope of the roof. Installation unobtrusive even though they are visible from the public of panels must be reversible and not right of way. Photo by Paul Trudeau damage to the historic integrity of the resource and district. • Solar panels should be positioned behind existing architectural features such as parapets, dormers, and chimneys to limit their visibility. • Use solar panels and mounting systems that are compatible in color to established roof materials. Mechanical equipment associated with the photovoltaic system should be treated to be as unobtrusive as possible. 2 Secondary Elevations • Solar panels should be installed on rear slopes or other locations not easily visible from the public right-of-way. Panels should be installed flat and not alter the slope of the roof. Installation of panels must be reversible and not damage the historic integrity of the resource and district. • Flat roof structures should have solar panels set back from the roof edge to minimize visibility. Pitch and elevation should be adjusted to reduce visibility from public right-of- way. • Solar panels should be positioned behind existing architectural features such as parapets, dormers, and chimneys to limit their visibility. 2 Secondary Elevations (continued) • Use solar panels and mounting systems that are compatible in color to established roof materials. Mechanical equipment associated with the solar panel system should be painted or treated to be as unobtrusive as possible • Use of solar systems in non-historic windows or on walls, siding, or shut- ters should be installed as to limit visibility from the public right of way. 3 Historic Accessory Structures r • Solar panels should be installed on rear slopes or other locations not highly visible from the public right-of-way. Panels should • 4i�nm,rmm be installed flat and not alter the slope of the roof. Installation of panels must be reversible �_ � ------ -`y and not damage the historic integrity of the AIM resource and district. iff • Flat roof structures should have solar panel installations set back from the roof edge to minimize visibility. Pitch and elevation 111 should be adjusted to reduce visibility from public right-of-way. Solar panels placed on an accessory structure not vis- ible from the public right of way should still follow the • Solar panel installations should be posi slope of the roof and have a low profile. Photo courtesy tioned behind existing architectural features of Dan Corson such as parapets, dormers, and chimneys to limit their visibility. • Use solar panels and mounting systems that are compatible in color to the property's roof materials. Mechanical equipment associated with the photovoltaic system should be as un- obtrusive as possible. • Use of solar systems in non-historic windows or on walls, siding and shutters should be installed as to limit visibility from the public right of way. , . 4 Freestandingor Detached • Freestanding or detached on-site ,, u ; : 1 Z solar panels should be installed in locations that minimize visibil , , , „, , w , ity from the public right of way Theses stems should be screened from the public right of way with �� � w materials elsewhere in the district such as fencin or vegetation of � •' suitable scale for the district ands _ 1, • ,,t setting. ' _r w • Placement and design should not detract from the historic charac- Freestanding solar panels should be installed in loca ter of the site or destroy historic tions that minimize visibility from the public right of landscape materials. way. Consideration to the •visibility of solar panels from neighboring properties should be taken, without in fringing upon the required solar access. 5 New Construction on- Site • Solar panels should be integrated into the initial design of new construction or infill projects, when possible, to assure cohesion of design within a historic context. • Solar panels should be installed on rear slopes or other locations not highly visible from the public right of way whenever possible. Panels should be installed flat and not alter the slope of the roof. • Flat roof structures should have solar panels set back from the roof edge to minimize visibil- ity. Pitch and elevation should be adjusted to reduce visibility from the public right-of-way. • Use solar panels and mounting systems that are compatible in color to established roof mate- rials. Mechanical equipment associated with the solar panel system should be treated to be as unobtrusive as possible. • Use of solar systems in windows or on walls, siding, or shutters should be installed with lim ited visibility from the public right-of way. • Not Recommended for Any Reason • Removal of historic roofing materials during the installation of solar systems. • Removing or otherwise altering historic roof configuration — dormers, chimneys, or other features — to add solar systems. • Any other installation procedure that will cause irreversible changes to historic features or materials. When considering retrofitting measures, historic building owners should keep in mind that there are no permanent solutions. One can only meet the standards being applied today with today's materials and techniques. In the future, it is likely that the standards and the technologies will change and a whole new retrofitting plan may be necessary. Thus, owners of historic buildings should limit retrofitting measures to those that achieve reasonable energy savings, at reasonable costs, with the least intrusion or impact on the character of the building. (National Park Service. Preservation Brief 3: Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings. Available from http:// www.nps.gov/history/hps/TPS/briefs/brief03.htm#Preservation%20Retrofitting. Accessed on August 10, 2009.) • •• • • • • • • • •••� ••� �••• "Helping .•••••.•• local preservation commissions succeed • • •• •• • through education, advocacy, and training" ••..: ..•• • •, �:•• • •••••.•:. .•:�•••••• • ••• •••..•• ••• • • •••••• • • • • • • • •• • NAPC • P.O. BOX 1605 • ATHENS, GA 30603 • 706-369-5881 NAPC