(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage renewable solar electrical generation throughout this state. It is essential that solar facilities and associated electric infrastructure be constructed and maintained in various locations throughout this state in order to ensure the availability of renewable energy production, which is critical to this state’s energy and economic future.
(2) As used in this section, the term “solar facility” means a production facility for electric power which:(a) Uses photovoltaic modules to convert solar energy to electricity that may be stored on site, delivered to a transmission system, and consumed primarily offsite.
(b) Consists principally of photovoltaic modules, a mounting or racking system, power inverters, transformers, collection systems, battery systems, fire suppression equipment, and associated components.
(c) May include accessory administration or maintenance buildings, electric transmission lines, substations, energy storage equipment, and related accessory uses and structures.
(3) A solar facility shall be a permitted use in all agricultural land use categories in a local government comprehensive plan and all agricultural zoning districts within an unincorporated area and must comply with the setback and landscaped buffer area criteria for other similar uses in the agricultural district.
(4) A county may adopt an ordinance specifying buffer and landscaping requirements for solar facilities. Such requirements may not exceed the requirements for similar uses involving the construction of other facilities that are permitted uses in agricultural land use categories and zoning districts.
(5) This section does not apply to any site that was the subject of an application to construct a solar facility submitted to a local governmental entity before July 1, 2021.
