In its ongoing discussion on how to modernize regulations for solar arrays, the Logan Township Planning Commission recently came to informal consensus on several points.

They included:

– Setting the maximum power output for residential arrays at the maximum permitted by the local electrical utility, which in this area is Penelec. It wouldn’t make sense to set the limit lower, as the amount that households need to generate has been steadily increasing, given the push for switching to electric for heating, hot water, cooking and vehicles, according to Richard Flarend of Groundhog Solar, who has been helping to advise the commission.

– Not allowing for exemptions from the requirement to obtain a permit to install a solar array.

– Requiring arrays mounted on sloped roofs to match the roof pitch and not to extend beyond the top or bottom edges. Arrays pitched differently than the roofs could collect leaves and other debris, causing a fire hazard, said commissioner Rick Meintel. They also don’t look good, according to Flarend. Arrays on flat roofs need to be higher — up to a few feet high — than those on pitched roofs, Flarend said.

– Allow arrays on the front side of pitched roofs. Otherwise, solar wouldn’t be feasible for many homes, said Commissioner Wesley Barnhart.

The commission failed to come to consensus on how to limit placement of ground-mounted arrays.

There was a proposal to prohibit arrays in front yards, based on the existing prohibition against accessory structures there, but some attendees argued that such a restriction would make it impractical for some homeowners to install solar, when sunshine is only available in sufficient quantities in front.

Solar “is a good thing,” different from other accessory structures like pools, garages and sheds, said Commissioner Jesse Moyer.

Resident Kevin Lear argued for “front yard” to be defined in such a way that areas closer to the road — but not directly between the house and road — would fall under less restrictive side yard regulations.

Others objected to that.

But it might make sense to define “front” to extend as far back from the road as the average of nearby houses, Flarend said.

That way, owners of homes set back far from the road would have the option to place arrays in front of their houses without causing an aesthetics issue for neighbors or passersby, he said.

Further, the township could require vegetative screening for front yard installations.

Most people wouldn’t place an array in the front of their properties unless they really needed to, Barnhart said.

Front yard installations would be necessary for those who have no backyard or one shaded by a hill or a backyard with trees they’re unwilling to fell, officials said.

“I’m that person,” Lear said.

Ground-mounted arrays can rise as high as about 10 feet, according to Flarend.

“I’ll come up with some options for front yard height,” said Planning Director Cassandra Schmick. “We need to look at this further.”

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.