4. Notwithstanding the provisions of any rule or regulation to the contrary, the department shall not include solar panels in any calculation of impervious surface or impervious cover that may be required as a condition of approval of an application to construct or undertake a development in the coastal area, pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1973, c.185 (C.13:19-1 et seq.).
As used in this section, "solar panel" means an elevated panel or plate, or a canopy or array thereof, that captures and converts solar radiation to produce power, and includes flat plate, focusing solar collectors, or photovoltaic solar cells and excludes the base or foundation of the panel, plate, canopy, or array.