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Commission hears technical briefing on 'balcony' portable solar; agrees to study local ordinance changes
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Summary
A guest presenter described small portable/"balcony" solar systems (around 1.2 kW) and regulatory approaches used elsewhere; the commission agreed to study whether to recommend ordinance exemptions or tailored permitting for small systems and to request counsel/manager input on local authority.
A technical presentation to the Franklin Township Environmental Commission described how small, plug‑in 'balcony' or portable solar systems work, their likely energy contribution and how other U.S. jurisdictions have handled permitting and exemptions.
The presenter explained that these compact systems often produce about 1.2 kilowatts (roughly three to four panels) and typically connect to a single household circuit via a microinverter, feeding surplus to the grid when available. The presenter said some states (he cited Utah, New York and California) have amended regulations to exempt very small portable systems from cumbersome permitting because they are unlikely to disrupt distribution networks.
Commission members raised safety and permitting questions — including whether such systems must be approved by the utility, whether they require code‑official review when connected to a home circuit, and how to treat islanded (battery‑backed) vs. grid‑tied setups. One member proposed asking the township manager or attorney to confirm what local changes are permissible under home‑rule authority before the commission recommends ordinance amendments.
Members asked the presenter to return or to identify a local resident or engineer who has installed such systems to demonstrate safety and operational details. The commission agreed to "study a little bit more" and to draft a resolution recommending the township consider amending its ordinance to reduce permitting red tape for very small, portable solar units if allowed under state codes.
Next steps: staff to request legal/manager guidance and to schedule follow‑up with a demonstrator or subject‑matter expert at a future meeting.
