• The main focus is on visibility of solar panels from the street (aesthetic view)
• Most ordinances regulate as accessory use
• Most do not allow for free standing solar panels in residential areas
• Most do not provide protections/rights to solar (sun) access
• Most just focus on traditional solar panels
• Most are limited to the rear of a house with some side yard placement
• Most limit vertical projection to 5 feet above roof plane
• Some are allowing panels to project into the into the front yard (2’); rear yard (6’); and side yard (2’).
• Most allow solar panels as the surface layer of the roof structure with no additional apparent change in relief or projection on any roof elevation (solar shingles)
• Most ground mounted provisions
  
•      Limit location to the rear yard but some allow side yard placement
• •      Varied setbacks are being allowed:
  •           Directly adjacent to the building
  •           Five feet from the rear or side property lines
  •           Within the building setback
    

•      Heights, which range from 5 to 12 feet, must be much lower then the height of the house
•      Some are requiring screening of ground mounted systems with a fence or vegetation
  

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
• A Local Official's Guide to Zoning and Land for Renewable Energy
• Interstate Renewable Energy Coalition
• NYS Energy Research and Development Authority. “Power Naturally.”
• Renewable Energy Policy Project
  
• American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources. “Renewable Energy Resources Committee: Links.”