mastering solar planning & permits presentation 10182011

www.energycenter.org

Mastering Solar Planning & Permits

City of San Diego County of San Diego

October 18, 2011

2 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.


CCSE Programs

• California Solar Initiative

• Multi-Family Affordable Solar

Housing Project

• Solar Water Heating Program

• Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

• Energy Upgrade California

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

• Self-Generation Incentive Program (Wind and Fuel Cells)

• Energy Advisory Services • Urban Forestry Advisory Services • Energy Resource Center


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


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


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

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.

Installing a solar PV system in San Diego?

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

Practical?

Practical? Depends

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?

•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

FRANCE

FRANCE - Mountains

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) *

http://c1.cleantechnica.com/files/2011/08/energy-resources-renewables-fossil-fuel-uranium.png�

http://c1.cleantechnica.com/files/2011/08/energy-resources-renewables-fossil-fuel-uranium.png�

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

Trends in Solar

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


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

131 167 169 219

279

382 433

954 981

1336

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

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

(Current FY Annualized)

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 10/11

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

Renewable Energy Permits FY 11/12

http://c1.cleantechnica.com/files/2011/08/solar-pv-cost-trend.png�

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

http://c1.cleantechnica.com/files/2011/08/solar-pv-cost-trend.png�

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 -


• Residential Roof Mount - $0

• Residential Ground Mount -



• Agricultural -




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



• Agricultural -





• 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





• 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


GOVERNMENTAL: State of CA -


State of CA –

Adopts the State Building Codes


State of CA –


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.


State of CA –

THE 2011 MODEL CODE WILL BECOME


State of CA –

THE 2011 MODEL CODE WILL BECOME

THE 2013 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE

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.

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

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�

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

ACCESS FOR SERVICING

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

•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?

NON- GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES & AUTHORITIES ON SOLAR

San Diego Area Electrical Newsletters

Drafted by the San Diego Chapter of ICC

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

http://www.iccsandiego.org

Newsletters Link

http://www.iccsandiego.org/uploads/2005 Electrical Newsletter Final 1-10-06.pdf�

http://www.iccsandiego.org/�

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


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


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 REQUIRED

REQUIRED

2 GROUND RODS REQUIRED

REQUIRED

REQUIRED

2 GROUND RODS REQUIRED

REQUIRED

AC DISCONNECT ?

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%

2 1/2” IMBEDMENT

Sample Plan # 3 GROUND MOUNTED SYSTEM

gmspdf

Sample Plan # 4 ROOF MOUNTED SYSTEM

gmspdf1


gmspdf2


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?

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)

“CLASS A” ROOF?

Target Fire Bakersfield

Link

Metal Roofs

http://buysolarpowernow.com/review/product/B002TJFGD6/buysolarnow-20/solartech-spm040p-n-40-watt-12-volt-polycrystalline-pv-solar-panel�

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

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

NEXT UP

County of San Diego Planning Requirements for Solar

1) roof-mount 2) ground-mount on-site 3) ground-mount off-site

Roof Mount Solar PV

Ground Mount Solar PV - residential

Roof mount - Solar PV - commercial

Ground Mount Off-Site

Typical Plot Plan

Typical Plot Plan – show all existing structure

Existing SFD

Typical Plot Plan - setbacks

Typical Plot Plan

EXPIRED PERMITS

Summary

Q & A?

Development Services Department Division of Building, Safety & Construction

1

Photovoltaic Information Session

•Martin Montessoro

October 18, 2011


3

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

-services/


4

Submit Plans and Documents Over-the-Counter by Appointment

(SFR Per Template) Master Plan

Options For Plan Review


5

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

Submitted Plan Review


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


7

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

Over-the-Counter by Appointment


Master Plans

8

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


9

Master Plan Installations Per Established Master Plan Site Plan Issued Over-the-Counter at

Screening (3rd Floor, DSC) Fees

• Issuance • Records • Permit Fee


10

Rechecks

By Appointment with the reviewer Walk-In, Over-the-Counter Electrical Counter (3rd Floor,

DSC)


11

Issuance

By Appointment with the Issuance staff

Walk-In Over-the-Counter Third floor DSC Permit fees

Development Services Department 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


14

•Residential PV Template General Project 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”)


15

•Residential PV Template PV Company Name & Logo

Designer Name

Signature

License #

Project Location


16

•Residential PV Template

Notes font large enough to be

legible

Identify Property Lines

Page Reference


17

•Residential PV Template Locate Building ,Plumbing

and Mechanical Vents Array layout custom to each project showing the number of modules


18

•Residential PV Template 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.


19

•Residential PV Template

Show Meter Location

Show Inverter Location


20

•Residential PV Template 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.


21

•Residential PV Template Roof Framing and the Rack lay out

Typical Detail to show the

attachment

Provide a Water Proofing Detail


22

•Residential PV Template Single Line

Identify the wire type and size

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

Show the module manufactures' name and the model number


23

Residential PV Template Single Line Identify the wire type,

and size

Identify the conduit type, and size


Residential PV Template Single Line

24

Identify the wire type and size

Identify the conduit type and size

Show the inverter manufactures' name and the model number



25

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



26

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



27

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

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



28

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


Residential PV Template –

Manufacturer Information Sheets

29

Include 8.5” by 11” copies of the Manufacturer’s specifications

Verify that all components are listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for the intended use.


Technical Data

30

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

Module Info Inverter Info


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 PV


49


50


51


52


Micro-inverters

53


Other Systems

54


Other Systems

55


Racking Installation


Racking system and grounding 57


Flashing and Weather Protection


Rolled roofing penetration Properly flashed and sealed

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 Boring Wood Members 101


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


Existing Service Entrance


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

http://www.irecusa.org/�


Questions?

mastering solar planning & permits presentation 10182011

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