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NC-2009 SSc5.2:Site Development—Maximize Open Space

Ground-Mounted Solar PV Arrays

If there is an open space with (1) a ground-mounted solar PV array and (2) native plantings or adapted vegetation beneath the PV panels and around them so as not to block sunlight, would the area beneath the PV panels be able to contribute to the SS c1 Habitat square footage calc, the SS c2 Open Space calc, both calcs, or neither calc?

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Profile picture for user dbertram
Devon Bertram
Sustainability Manager
YR&G
LEEDuser Basic Member
151 thumbs up

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 23:04

I would think this area could count for both SSc5.1 and SSc5.2 but may be worth checking with GBCI or submitting a LEED Interpretation Request.
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Martin Meehan
Principal
Meehan Associates
LEEDuser Basic Member
14 thumbs up

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 13:37

Hi Douglas, I'm just wondering how you got on with this as we have a similar scenario? Any guidance would be appreciated - Catherine
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AMY VAN DAM
Sustainable Design Coordinator
BOULDER ASSOCIATES
LEEDuser Basic Member
14 thumbs up

Wed, 05/01/2013 - 18:04

Douglas Or Catherine- Did you receive clarification on either of your projects regarding counting the area where a ground mounted PV array is installed toward open space calculation?
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Brett Beckemeyer
AIA, LEED-AP, BD&C
Fox Architects
LEEDuser Basic Member
5 thumbs up

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 16:28

Any clarification on this credit? Am I understanding it correctly that ground mounted PVs will not count against the open space percentage based on the fact that it is not developing the area with roads, hardscapes, buildings etc?
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Michelle DiPenti
Project Coordinator
HDR, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
6 thumbs up

Wed, 06/07/2017 - 17:46

Since the credit is about promoting biodiversity, I think this would not be acceptable. Birds would be impacted, and even below the PVs wildlife would be impacted. Has there been any feedback from GBCI? Thanks!

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