JEFFERSON TWP — Township supervisors approved an update to its code of ordinances which would establish new definitions, allowances, rules and regulations for the installation of solar energy systems in the township.

The ordinance was approved for advertisement at the previous month’s supervisors meeting June 9 and officially adopted at a meeting on Monday, July 14.

According to the township’s June newsletter, when the ordinance went before the planning commission during their meeting on May 19, it underwent a “lengthy” discussion and review. As a result, the commission made changes to the definition of a “solar array” and other language before voting to recommend approval.

Under the terms of the ordinance, solar energy systems are divided into two types: accessory use, which collects energy mainly for the attached site; and principal use, which collects energy and distributes it to the grid.

Operators of principal solar energy systems are required to decommission their systems within 12 months of the end of their useful life, at their own expense, and enter into a security agreement with the township for 110% of the estimated decommissioning cost.

“Decommissioning is a big thing, because who knows what the life is going to be?” said township Supervisor John Cypher during the meeting. “Even if it is 25 years, we have to plan ahead.”

Any operator of a solar energy system who is found to have violated the terms of the ordinance will be sentenced to pay a fine of $1,000 plus miscellaneous fees and/or serve no more than 90 days in prison.

In implementing the ordinance, Jefferson Township joins Penn and Buffalo townships, and Prospect, all of which also amended their codes over the past year to allow for solar energy uses.