USC One Step Closer To Having New Solar Panel Ordinance

Upper St. Clair is one step closer to having a new ordinance amendment regulating solar panels in the township.

Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing on the legislation on Monday, April 1.

According to field experts, solar panel use is on the rise in the area because of financial incentives.

Director of Community Development Scott Brilhart said the amendment would bring more clarity to solar panel guidelines in Upper St. Clair.

The amendment includes screening and setback regulations. 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. 

The creation of the amendment was funded by the Department of Energy. Two dozen other Allegheny County municipalities, Penn Future and Environmental Planning and Design participated in creating the "model ordinance."

The Upper St. Clair Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the amendment.

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