Mastering solar planning & permits presentation 10182011

Mastering Solar Planning & Permits
City of San Diego
County of San Diego

October 18, 2011

www.energycenter.org

California Center for Sustainable Energy
Vision:
To create a sustainable energy future.
Mission:
To foster public policies and provide
programs, services, information and forums
that facilitate the adoption of clean, reliable,
renewable, sustainable and efficient energy
technologies and practices.
2

CCSE Programs
CCSE operates in five focus areas: energy efficiency,
renewable energy, climate change, transportation and
green building.

• California Solar Initiative
• Multi-Family Affordable Solar • Self-Generation Incentive Program
(Wind and Fuel Cells)
Housing Project
• Energy Advisory Services
• Solar Water Heating Program • Urban Forestry Advisory Services
• Clean Vehicle Rebate Project • Energy Resource Center
• Energy Upgrade California www.energycenter.org
3

CCSE Services
• Workshops and Events
• Tool Lending & Resource Library
• Expanded Display Space
• Energy Advisory Services
• Technical Assistance
• Vendor Database
• Green Career Network

4

Upcoming Events

• Oct 20 – CSI Thermal Contractor and Self-Install Training

• Oct 26 – Skip’s Tips – Advanced Solar Thermal Workshop

• Nov 1– Energy Upgrade California Orientation Workshop

• Nov 15 – Passing the CSI Inspection Protocol
5

CCSE Housekeeping

• Please sign in
• Turn off your cell phones
• Refreshments
• Recycle and compost
• Restrooms down the hall
• Fill out your Evaluation Forms
• Tell people about CCSE!
• Presentation will be available online at
www.energycenter.org/csi-presentations

6

Installing a solar PV system in San Diego?

Mastering Solar Planning &
Permits
Among the things that make an installation easier,
is a better understanding of municipal processes,
permitting and issues related to safety.

Introduction-
Patrick Healy
Chief EPM Inspector
*DPLU, Building div. - County of San Diego

• 19 years experience combination inspector – County of San Diego
• 7 years as Electrical Specialist – County of San Diego
• Past President - So Cal Chapter, International Association of Electrical
Inspectors
• Past President - International Code Council, San Diego Area Chapter
• Code Advisory Committee - CBSC

Marisa Smith
Planner 1
DPLU – Planning div. - County of San Diego

Agenda
• Trends in Solar Permits
• Personal History with Solar in SD County
• Agencies involved in solar regulations
• Codes Applicable to Solar
• State Code Process
• Local Ordinances
• Local Interpretation
• Local Policies
• Standards applicable to Solar Equipment
• Plan Submittal Requirements and Permitting
• Documentation and County Handouts
• Plan Submittal requirements and Process
• Most common solar systems
• Plan technical basics
• Common plan errors
• Commercial project requirements
• Q/A

Coastal areas ?

Don’t see as much solar on
coast?
Is Fog and Clouds the
Determining Factor, or is it
the lower HVAC costs in
the coastal area?

•5 Acres?
•300 Acre Project coming to SD County

•5 Acres?
•300 Acre Project coming to SD County
•6000 Acre Project coming to Central CA – 540 MW

What’s with all the interest in solar?

"Comparing finite and renewable planetary energy reserves
(Terawatt‐years). Total recoverable reserves are shown for
the finite resources. Yearly potential is shown for the
renewables." (source: Perez & Perez, 2009a)

"Comparing finite and renewable planetary energy reserves
(Terawatt -years). Total recoverable reserves are shown for the
finite resources. Yearly potential is shown for the renewables."
(*source: Perez & Perez, 2009) *

Once you know the size of the reserves it easy to
see the number of years those reserves would
last. At the end of 2009 the estimates were

•Oil: 46 years (depleted in 2055)
•Natural gas: 63 years (depleted in 2072)
•Coal: 119 years (depleted in 2128)

Total Solar Irradiance upon Earth
was measured by satellite to be
roughly 1.361 Kilowatts per
square meter
1 MW of PV generates 1,500,000 kWh per year

Other Factors

Incentives - The federal and state financial
incentives have undoubtedly fueled the rise in the
solar industry and the economy

Interest - People just like solar and being involved in
doing something good for the environment

After standing at 17 gigawatts in July 2011, the US non-
residential pipeline increased to 24 GW by September 2011

After standing at 17 gigawatts in July 2011, the US non-
residential pipeline increased to 24 GW by September 2011

California currently accounts for 61% of the total US project pipeline
*New Projects in California, Some in SD County

After standing at 17 gigawatts in July 2011, the US non-residential
pipeline increased to 24 GW by September 2011

California currently accounts for 61% of the total US project pipeline
Utility-driven activity is now evident across 35 states *

Recent report from Interstate Renewable Energy
Council shows the solar installed base of PV in 2010
doubled compared to the solar installed base in 2009

Personal Experience with Solar
Past 7 years as the County Electrical Specialist
•First year about 3 -5 permits a week
•Currently an average of about 10- 15 a Day
• Recent Surge in Commercial
• Recent Interest in Solar Farms and Utility Grade Plants

Solar Photovoltaic Permits Issued
(Includes: Ground-Mount PV, Roof-Mount PV, & Solar Water Heaters)
(Current FY Annualized)

1600

1400 1336

1200

981
1000
954

800

600
433
382
400
279
219
169
200 131 167

0

Renewable Energy Permits FY 10/11

ACTUALS
SOLAR PV RESIDENTIALPERMITS ISSUED 952

TOTAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PERMITS 981
TOTAL FEE'S WAIVED $322,401

RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY AND GENERATION:
AMOUNT OF PV GENERATING CAPACITY INSTALLED (MW) 5.44

EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (TONS) (CO2 EQUIVALENTS) IN CARBON:
PHOTOVOLTAIC 6029.035

TOTAL 6086.886

Renewable Energy Permits FY 11/12

ACTUAL PROJECTION
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV PERMITS 330 1320

TOTAL FEE'S WAIVED $112,211 $448,844

AMOUNT OF PV GENERATING CAPACITY INSTALLED 1.7885 7.15400

:
EMISSIONS REDUCTION (TONS) (CO2 EQUIVALENTS) IN CARBON 1982.105 7928.421

Though State and Federal Incentives have decreased,
so have the costs of Solar Modules*

New Technologies in Solar products
Solar Sand
Thin Film
Organic Modules
Concentrating Panels
Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide (CIGS Panels)
Many, many others

What Do Building Departments Do and
What Rules and Codes Do They Apply

Let’s take a look

Promote safe and sanitary
buildings, utilities, and
structures, and regulate
their use in a manner that
best serves the individual,
the environment and the
community

NFPA in response to GM:
In the effort to rapidly change the country to “Green” technologies, the
last thing we need is for Building Codes and the Local Building
Department to become obstructionists to the change.

While Building Department personnel have a duty to stay in touch with the
latest trends and technologies, codes may not entirely keep up with these
quickly evolving renewable industries.
It is sometimes necessary to use education, experience, and expertise in
interpreting the purpose and intent of these codes

Our primary responsibility is the health, safety, and well being of the residents
of our communities.
*

Personal History with Solar

• 25 years ago in Julian I saw my first solar
system.
• Stand alone with Batteries
• 150K
• Lost in Cedar Fire
• Rebuilt - w/solar

Types of Solar Permits

• Residential Roof Mount
• Residential Ground Mount
• Commercial Roof Mount
• Commercial Ground Mount
• Agricultural
• Solar Farm/Utility Grade Solar Plant, Off-Site

Permit Fees within the County of
San Diego

• Residential Roof Mount -
• Residential Ground Mount -
• Commercial Roof Mount -
• Commercial Ground Mount -
• Agricultural -
• Solar Farm/Utility Grade Solar Plant -

San Diego

• Residential Roof Mount - $0
• Residential Ground Mount -
• Agricultural -

San Diego

• Residential Ground Mount - $0 (could be fees charged by DEH and DPW)
• Agricultural -

San Diego

• Commercial Roof Mount - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation
• Commercial Ground Mount - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation
• Agricultural - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation

San Diego

• Commercial Roof Mount - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation
• Commercial Ground Mount - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation
• Agricultural - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation
• Solar Farm/Utility Grade Solar Plant - Based on Size/ Percentage of Valuation,
&/or the cost of providing the services

Fees for Residential Solar permits are Waived under The County of San Diego’s
Green Building Program and Homeowners Relief Act.

These programs were created by the County Board of Supervisors to Aid
Homeowners, and Promote the Use of Green Technology.

Additional Funding Provided by the Federal,
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act,
Providing Grants to Local Government

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY AGENCIES &
AUTHORITIES
OVERSEEING SOLAR INSTALLATIONS
•State of CA,
•Local Bldg Dept
•Local Planning and Zoning
•Local Fire Dept
•Local Health Dept
•Local Public Works Dept
•Area-wide Policies and Interpretation Authorities such as the local ICC Chapter
•PUC, CEC
•OTHER AGENCIES

AUTHORITIES
GOVERNMENTAL:
State of CA -

AUTHORITIES

State of CA –
Adopts the State Building Codes

AUTHORITIES
State of CA –

AUTHORITIES
GOVERNMENTAL:
State of CA –
Adopts the State Building Codes. State Agencies – California Building Standards
Commission (CBSC) - Ca Fire Marshal, HCD, Others. All have an impact on what
goes into the CA Codes.

AUTHORITIES
State of CA –

THE 2011 MODEL
CODE WILL
BECOME

AUTHORITIES
State of CA –

THE 2011 MODEL THE 2013 CALIFORNIA
CODE WILL ELECTRICAL CODE
BECOME

ALL CITIES AND COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA ARE MANDATED TO ENFORCE THE
CALFORNIA BUILDING CODES

Local Bldg. Dept

Local Bldg. Dept –
• Interprets and applies the state codes
•Enacts local ordinances for topics not covered in code.
•Sets policies for functions and operations
•Performs plan-check and inspection to verify code compliance.

San Diego County Website
for forms and handouts

Solar Ordinance

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/ceqa/POD09006.html

Building Div Forms and Handouts

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/bldgforms/index.html

OTHER LOCAL AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
•Planning/Zoning regulations
•Fire regulations
•Health Department (DEH) for septic systems
•Public Works for flood plains, drainage courses

DEH Requirements for Ground Mount Systems

Two primary concerns are addressed when DEH reviews ground mounted solar arrays. The first being the array itself and its proximity to
the septic system. Second being the utility trench to the electric panel and it’s proximity to the septic system. Below are the review
standards for DEH.

Ground Mount Array
•The array is considered a structure. The minimum setback for a leach line to a structure is 8 feet. The setback should be measured from
the outermost point of the array whether it be the footing or the solar panel itself. Reasoning here is adequate room to maneuver
equipment for a septic system repair. This setback must also take into account reserve leach field area. Setbacks for solar arrays to septic
tanks are 5 feet. Here again to the outer most edge of the array allowing for equipment access.

Utility Trench
•The utility trench from the solar array cannot cross over a primary or reserve leach field area. The utility trench should maintain a 5:1
setback to a leach line for every foot of depth (2 ft deep utility trench = 10 ft setback to leach line). This would include reserve leach field
areas. Utility trenches cannot cross over septic tanks and require a minimum 5 ft setback to the edge of the tank.

Plans need to identify the location of the septic tank and leach field. Then the accuracy needs to be verified by DEH records, or in the case
where there is no record a DEH visit to the site

•· Good records from property owner or DEH showing no issues, sign-off is over the counter (OTC). Usually larger lots with lots of room.
•· No records. Need licensed contractor to find system and produce an as-built (signed and dated by contractor). If DEH is comfortable
with this then an OTC is done, if not comfortable DEH may charge a 2 hr minimum consultation to do a site check.
•· Impacts to septic system will require relocation of solar array. Impacts to septic system that cannot be mitigated with a relocation will
not be approved

County Fire Marshall
Requirements for Solar
Installations

ACCESS
FOR SERVICING
FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Department of Public Works

Solar panels and equipment must
be mounted a minimum of 12”
about the recorded flood plain

NON- GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES &
AUTHORITIES ON SOLAR

•PUBLIC UTILITIES – PUC, CEC
•CODE WRITING PANELS AND COMMITTEES
•STANDARDS AGENCIES AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEES
( UL, ANSI, ETC )*
•NRTLs - NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING AGENCIES
•THIRD-PARTY FIELD EVALUATORS
•CCSE AND OTHER AGENCIES OVERSEEING “GREEN “ PROGRAMS
•LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS LIKE ICC AND CALBO
•OTHERS?

San Diego Area Electrical Newsletters
Drafted by the San Diego Chapter of ICC

http://www.iccsandiego.org

Newsletters Link

www.iccsandiego.org/uploads/2005%20Electrical%20Newsletter%20Final%201-10-06.pdf

UL STANDARDS FOR SOLAR PRODUCTS

UL 1703* – For flat plate modules and panels
UL 1741* – Grid –Tied Inverters
UL 2703 – Solar Racking Systems and Grounding
*ANSI approved Standard

UL is testing products to safety standards, but is
showing an interest in testing to efficiency standards
also. This to help certify the claims made by
manufacturers of solar products

Standard Municipal Process:
Plan Check Review
Permit Issuance
Inspection

The level of Plan review depends on the scope of the project

Typical roof mount residential plan review includes:

•Roof Plan - overall layout of modules, electrical
panels/equipment, and conduit runs
•Electrical plan review – single line electrical diagram
•Electrical Calculations Voltage, Amperage, Derating factors,
Overcurrent and conductors sizing.
•Structural roof attachment review – racking system
•Equipment Data Sheets
•Property history review and zoning review
•Permit issuance – 0 fees *
•Inspection – Most residential roof-mounts are a single
inspection, performed when the job is complete

Standard Municipal Process:
Plan Check Review
Permit Issuance
and Inspection

Typical residential ground mount includes most items shown for
a roof mount and additionally:

Plot Plan review
Structural foundation review and support attachments
Dpt of Environmental Health review for septic concerns
Dpt of Public Works Review for flood plain setbacks
Permit issuance – $0 Building Div fees*
Inspection – Most ground-mounts require multiple inspections
Foundation, U/G Electric, and Final Inspection

*If additional electrical work needs to be performed, regular electrical fees apply
* Fees apply to DEH and DPW review

Standard Municipal Process is
Plan Check Review
Permit Issuance
and Inspection

Typical Commercial and Agricultural On-site Solar would include
most of the previous items and additionally;

Professionally designed electrical and structural plans
Zoning Review and possible zoning criteria administered
Possible Fire Department Review
Possible Submittal of Plans
Permit issuance – Fees Apply

Standard Municipal Process is
Plan Check Review
Permit Issuance
and Inspection

Typical Solar Farm and Utility Grade Off-site Solar would include
most of the previous items and additionally;

Use Permit/Admin Permit review
Fire Department Review
Submittal of Plans
Permit issuance – Fees Apply

Sample Plans
ROOF MOUNTED SYSTEM

Sample Plan # 2
ROOF MOUNTED SYSTEM

IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE
CONDUIT RUN

REQUIRED
REQUIRED

2 GROUND RODS
REQUIRED

REQUIRED
REQUIRED

AC DISCONNECT ?

2 GROUND RODS
REQUIRED

The Combined maximum output of
inverters on the AC side X 1.25%
indicates the minimum size breaker.
Conductor size is determined by the
breaker rating and derating of the
conductors. Derating is needed for more
than 3 conductors in a raceway, distance
mounted off the surface of the roof, and
the ambient temperature for the area of
the installation
Maximum Breaker size is determined by
the rating of the main breaker and the
rating of the solar breakers not
exceeding the rating of the buss bar X
120%

Sample Plan # 3
GROUND MOUNTED SYSTEM
gmspdf

Sample Plan # 4
ROOF MOUNTED SYSTEM
gmspdf1

Sample Plan # 5
gmspdf2

Sample Plan # 6
gmspdf3

Third-Party Grounding Devices

•Must be specifically mentioned in the installation
instructions for the modules

•Grounding Clips tested in conjunction with a racking
system that’s listed to UL 2703 must specifically identify
the modules that it was tested with.

Class-A roofing?

•Some modules have a class-A rating

Class-A roofing?

•Some modules have a class-A rating
•Most require a class-A roof underneath (new construction)

Target Fire Bakersfield

Link

Teaching the Basics
Want to teach your kids about renewable energy in a way that’s relevant and
interesting?
If you’re installing a new solar power system for your home, it’s a perfect
opportunity to talk about how it works, why it’s important for the environment,
and you can throw in some math lessons too. Solar power is complicated enough
that older children and adults can learn plenty, but it can also be explained in a
way that even younger kids can understand

NOW SERVING
SOLAR POWER IN SAN DIEGO

Thank You

Q&A
Time Permitting

NEXT UP

Marisa Smith
Planner 1
DPLU – Planning Div. - County of San Diego

County of San Diego Planning
Requirements for Solar

1) roof-mount

2) ground-mount on-site

3) ground-mount off-site

Ground Mount Solar PV - residential

Roof mount - Solar PV - commercial

Typical Plot Plan –
show all existing structure

Existing SFD

Development Services Department
Division of Building, Safety & Construction

Photovoltaic
Information Session

•Martin Montessoro

October 18, 2011

1


Resources
 Information Bulletin 301
 Plan Template
 Inspection Guidelines
 SD Area Electrical Newsletter
 http://www.sandiego.gov/development
-services/

3


Options For Plan Review

 Submit Plans and Documents
 Over-the-Counter by Appointment
(SFR Per Template)
 Master Plan

4


Submitted Plan Review
 All Commercial and Residential not
per Template
 Documents and Plans per IB 301
 10-Day Review
 Fees

5


Plan Submittal
• Check in on the third floor of DSC
• Walk- in or Appointment at Submittal
• Plan Check fees have to be paid at the
time of Submittal
• Plans are distributed to all reviewers
(Structural and Electrical)

6


Over-the-Counter by
Appointment
 Plans and Documents per Plan
Template
 Call (619) 446-5300 for appointment
 Appointments are for one hour
 Maximum of two appointments per
day per customer
 Check-in at least 30 minutes prior to
your appointment 7


Master Plans

 Establish Master Plan
 Submit Plans on Third Floor of
DSC
 10-Day Review
 Fee - Hourly Plan Check Only

8


Master Plan
 Installations Per Established Master Plan
 Site Plan
 Issued Over-the-Counter at
Screening (3rd Floor, DSC)
 Fees
• Issuance
• Records
• Permit Fee
9


Rechecks
 By Appointment with the reviewer
 Walk-In, Over-the-Counter
 Electrical Counter (3rd Floor,
DSC)

10


Issuance
 By Appointment with the Issuance
staff
 Walk-In Over-the-Counter
 Third floor DSC
 Permit fees

11

Division of Building, Construction and Safety

Solar Photovoltaic Plan
Review Process
• Complying Template Projects
– Roof Mounted SFD

12


DSD Residential Plan Template for
Solar Photovoltaic

• The Purpose is to reduce plan review time by:
– Establishing a standard format and layout
– Suggesting standard notes

13


General Project
•Residential PV Template
Information

Notes for each
page on the
right-hand side
of the page

Plans need to be in a simple legible format
(11” X 17”)
14


PV Company Name
& Logo

Designer Name
Signature
License #

Project
Location

15


Notes font large
•Residential PV Template enough to be
legible

Identify Property
Lines

Page
Reference

16


Locate Building ,Plumbing

Array layout custom and Mechanical Vents

to each project
showing the number
of modules

17


Identify the location of
the conduit. If DC
conductors are routed
within the building
they must be within a
metallic conduit
marked CAUTION DC
CIRCUIT every five
feet.

18



Show Meter Location

Show Inverter Location

19


Structural
calculations are
required for the roof
or structure mounted
PV systems if the
weight of the PV
system exceeds five
pounds per square
foot.

20


Roof Framing and
the Rack lay out

Typical Detail to
show the
attachment

Provide a Water Proofing Detail
21


•Residential PV Template Single Line

Show the module Identify the wire type
manufactures' name and size
and the model
number

Show the number of
modules per string
and the number of
strings per system
22


Residential PV Template Single Line
Identify the wire type,
and size

Identify the conduit
type, and size

23


Show the inverter
manufactures' name
and the model Identify the wire type
number and size

Identify the conduit
type and size

24


If a combiner box is
used identify the
ampere rating of the
bus and OCP

25


Identify the ampere rating of
the bus, main breaker and
back-fed PV breaker

26


If micro inverter system is
installed show the module
manufactures' name and the
model number

Systems with micro inverters
need to show disconnects in
compliance with (CEC 609.14 (D))

27


Identify DC and AC
disconnects and where fuses
are required show the ampere
rating of the fuses

28


Residential PV Template –
Manufacturer Information Sheets
Include 8.5” by 11” Verify that all
copies of the components are
Manufacturer’s listed by a Nationally
specifications Recognized Testing
Laboratory for the
intended use.

29


Technical Data
Module Info Inverter Info

Identify the short circuit current (Isc) and the open circuit
voltage (Voc). 30


DSD Residential Plan Template for
Solar Photovoltaic

QUESTIONS?

31


Inspection Guidelines and
Suggested Practices


Inspection Process
• To verify that the installation is in
conformance with the design of the
approved set of plans
• To verify that the installation is in
compliance with the California Electrical
Code and other applicable codes and
regulations


Purpose of the Code
“….the practical safeguarding of
persons and property from
hazards arising from the use of
electricity”


2010 California
Electrical Code

• 2008 National Electrical Code
• with amendments from State agencies
• California Code of Regulations,
• Title 24, Part 3
• Effective date – January 1, 2011


Inspection Process
• Contractor/owner responsibility to
schedule and coordinate all required
inspections
• Responsible party on site
• Provide access to all elements of
system installation


Inspection
• Ground-mounted
1. footings for array frame
2. underground raceways
3. final
Observe regulations for -
Brush Management Zones,
Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and
Multiple Habitat Planning Areas


Inspection (continued)
• Roof mounted arrays
Rough electrical (for any concealed
work)
Roof array and bond (for integrated
systems or for tile roofs)
Final inspection


Necessary Paperwork on Site
• Approved plans
• Inspection record card (DS-1798)
• Manufacturer’s Installation instructions –
modules, racking, inverter


Installation manuals – inverters,
modules


Roof Mounted Systems


Roof Access
• Cal -OSHA
Compliant
Ladder
• Sitting
squarely on
level
surface
• Secured at
top


44


45


Tile roofs


47

Building Integrated Safety
Division of Building, Construction and
PV


49


50


51


52


Micro-inverters

53


Other Systems

54


Other Systems

55


Racking Installation


Racking system and grounding
57

Flashing and Weather and Safety Protection
Division of Building, Construction


Properly flashed and sealed
Rolled roofing penetration

59


Clearance to Vents


61


Plumbing Vents
•Plumbing vents cannot be covered
by module installation
•Vents shall terminate a minimum
of
•6” above or 1’ away horizontally
from adjacent PV modules
•Termination shall not be higher
that the highest point of the existing
roof
•Vents less than 3” can be
extended /offset but shall be
properly and independently
supported
•All extensions shall meet the
requirements of the California
Plumbing Code
•Extension on any plumbing vent 3”
diameter or larger is not allowed

62


Using Identified grounding points and approved
devices and materials


Unapproved Grounding Means
Not approved – braided copper with sheet metal screw into the
module frame

64


65


Combiner Boxes, Junction Boxes
and Wiring Methods
• Listed equipment
• Installed per manufacturer's installation
instructions
• Cable Management
• Conduit support


Combiner boxes, wiring method
Combiner boxes shall be listed
Installed per the manufacturer’s instructions


68


69


Conduit support


Conduit Support

71


Wiring methods and materials


73


74


75


PV Wire

76


Cable Management


Conductor De-rating

• Derating for conductor
ampacity is required per
new Table 310.15(B)(2)
• Use the ASHRAE tables
for the ambient
temperature used for the
correction factor
• Air inside the raceway is
significantly hotter than the
surrounding air


Inverters and DC Disconnects
• Listed utility interactive inverters
• As-built conforms to the design
• Installed per manufacturer’s installation
instructions or recommendations
• System grounding electrode conductor
properly terminated


Listed Utility-Interactive Inverter


82


Conductor terminations


Inverter locations


Service Equipment
• bus rating
• existing main overcurrent protection
• PV overcurrent protection
• manufacturer breakers
• cable or conduit entry
• labeling
• multiwire branch circuit relocation and
balanced load on bus
• grounding system


EXISTING Panel
What’s the rating of the bus? Total Sum of the Over-current
Devices Permitted
87


400 Amp Panel – 400 Amp Bus?

88


89


90


PV breakers and new and
existing multi-wire circuits


Service Upgrades involving
Scheduled Outages with SDG&E
• Schedule DSD inspection for day of the
scheduled outage
• Contact the inspector re: time frame
• Equipment installed,
• framing weather-protected,
• grounded,
• service entrance raceway or riser and service
entrance conductors installed


Ready for reconnection?


BNL 14-1 – How to Install Flashing

94


Grounding

• Verify acceptable grounding for existing
service equipment or provide a
supplemental electrode
• Provide service and system grounding
compliant with the Code


Water piping ground must be supplemented

Driven Ground Rod


Irreversible Splicing Devices
• For grounding electrode conductors
• Micro-inverter installations - #8 or #6 Cu system grounding
conductors

99


DC and AC wiring through a
structure

100


CAUTION – Notching and
101
Boring Wood Members


Load-bearing 2 x 12 floor joists @ 12” OC
notched in middle 1/3 of span
102


103


Properly fire stop around all penetrations of
rated assemblies 104


Fire-resistive Exit Enclosures and
Passageways

105


Signage and Placarding
• Alternate power source placard
• DC raceways and DC disconnects
• Cautionary
• Site specific design
• PV disconnect for utility operation


Alternate Power Source Placard


108


111


Suggested practices
• Survey the site – verify the adequacy
and condition of the existing electrical
system to accommodate a PV system
• A service upgrade or other corrections
may be required


Inadequate work space


115


Service Disconnects – Maximum Six
Handles without a Main Disconnect

ExistingofService Department
Development Services
Division
Entrance
Building, Construction and Safety


Existing service


Service supplied by SIDA cable


Alternative
Energy
Systems
installed with
safeguarding
life and
property in
mind


Resources
• Photovoltaic Systems, 2nd ed. Dunlop
• IAEI News (www.iaei.org)
• IREC (www.IRECUSA.org) Field Inspection
Guidelines for PV Systems (Brooks Eng’g)
• Photovoltaic Power Systems: Suggested
Practices, Southwest Technology
Development Institute , NMSU(John Wiles)
• NEC Handbooks - NFPA
• NFPA’s NEC Plus
• City of San Diego Inspection Guidelines 121


Questions?

Mastering solar planning & permits presentation 10182011

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