Worst Building Departments for Solar
Many cities in Southern California have decided to initiate "Green initiatives". I keep a short list of Orange County cities that impose high solar permit fees, long permit approval processes, or excessive solar permit requirements. Some of the Green Cities are on my worst list. For example:
The Chula Vista City Council recently adopted an aggressive approach to fighting global warming, pledging to become the first municipality in the county with “green” building standards for all new construction and major renovations.
A major portion of this was to provide a program to help businesses install solar electric equipment. What they don't tell you that the last permit fee we paid in Chula Vista was around $1500. We also were required to get a business license of around $50. In comparison, Mission Viejo has waived solar permit fees and does not require a business license.
Additionally, Chula Vista has some of the most complex solar permit requirements in Southern California. Our company works in over 70 cities in Southern California and in most of them, we use a standard permit package that is usually approved within a couple of days...except in Chula Vista.
Here are the Chula Vista requirements:
This list does not include their new requirement from the fire department that modules be quick disconnect. None of the major racking manufacturers currently supply listed, engineering quick disconnect features so this is an obstacle that is very controversial.
· CHECKLIST FOR Photovoltaic POWER SYSTEM Installations:
1. Please, add a note on plans all roof vents to extend above solar panels.
2. Show access to all solar panels.
3. Please, add a note on plans “ All interior DC conductor to be located in approved conduit, and conduit to be labled “ CAUTION DC-CIRCUIT” every 5 feet on center .
4. Please, distinguish on the single line diagram the all wire location ( for example on roof, in attic, at exterior walls, in the intrior of the house, in the interior of the garage, etc).
1) PV ARRAYS:
5. PV modules listed to UL Standard 1703? [110.3]
a. Mechanical Attachment:
6. Modules attached to the mounting structure according to the manufacturer's instructions?
7. Roof penetrations secure and weather tight?
b. Grounding:
8. Each module grounded using the supplied hardware, the grounding point identified on the module and the manufacturer's instructions? Note: Bolting the module to a "grounded" structure usually will not meet NEC requirements.
9. Properly sized equipment-grounding conductors routed with the circuit conductors?? [690.45]
C. Conductors:
10. Conductor type? –
A) IF exposed: USE-2, UF (usually inadequate at 60°C), or SE, 90°C, wet-rated and sunlight resistant. [NEC 690.31]
(B) If in conduit:
RHW-2, THWN~2) or XHHW-2 90°C, wet-rated conductors. [NEC 310.15]
11. Conductor insulation rated at 90°C [UL-1703] to allow for operation at 70°C+ near modules and in conduit exposed to sunlight (add 17-20°C to ambient temperature)?
12. Temperature-derated ampacity calculations based on 156% of short-circuit current (Isc), and the derated ampacity greater than 156% Isc rating of over current device? [NEC 690.8,9]
13. Note: Suggest temperature-derating factors of 65°C in installations where the backs of the module receive cooling air (6" or more from surface) and 75°C where no cooling air can get to the backs of the modules. Ambient temperatures in excess of 40°C may require different derating factors.
14. Portable power cords allowed only for tracker connections? [NEC 690.31 (C), 400.3,7,8]
15. Strain relief’s/cable clamps or conduit used on all cables and cords? [NEC 300.4, 400.10] Listed for the application and the environment?
2) OVER CURRENT PROTECTION:
16. Over current devices in the dc circuits listed for dc operation? If device not marked dc, verify dc listing with manufacturer. Auto, marine, and telecom devices not acceptable. Rated at 1.25 x 1.25 = 1.56 times short-circuit current from modules? [UL-1703, 690.8, module instructions] Note: Both 125% factors are now in the NEC. Supplementary listed devices are allowed in PV source circuits only, but branch-circuit rated devices preferred. [690.9(C)]
17. Each module or series string of modules have an over current device protecting the module? [UL-1703/NEC 11 0.3(B)] Note: Frequently, installers ignore this requirement marked on the back of modules. Listed combiner PV combiner boxes meeting this requirement are available. SMA Sunny Boy and some other "string" inverters operating at high voltages may not require dc fuses with two strings of modules or less.
18. Located in a position in the circuit to protect the module conductors from backed currents from parallel module circuits or from the charge controller or battery? [NEC 6909(A) FPN]
19. Smallest conductor used to wire modules protected? Sources of over current are parallel-connected modules, batteries, and ac back feed through inverters. [NEC 690-9(A)]
20. User-accessible fuses in "touch-safe" holders or capable of being changed without touching live contacts? [NEC 690.16]
3) ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS:
21. Pressure terminals tightened to the recommended torque specification?
22. Crimp-on terminals listed and installed with listed crimping tools by the same manufacturer?
23. Twist-on wire connectors listed for the environment (i.e. dry, damp, wet, or direct burial) and installed per the manufacturer's instructions?
24. Pressure lugs or other terminals listed for the environment? (I.e. inside, outside, wet, direct burial)
25. Power splicing blocks listed and not just UL Recognized?
26. Terminals containing more than one conductor listed for multiple conductors?
27. Connectors or terminals using flexible, fine-stranded conductors listed for use with such conductors?
· 4. CHARGE CONTROLLERS:
28. Charge controller listed to UL Standard1741? [NEC 110.3]
29. Exposed energized terminals not readily accessible?
30. Does a diversion controller have an independent backup control method? [NEC 690.72(B)(1)]
5. DISCONNECTS:
31. Disconnects listed for dc operation in dc circuits? Automotive, marine, and telecom devices are not acceptable.
32. PV Disconnect readily accessible and located at first point of penetration of PV conductors?
33. PV conductors outside structure until reaching first readily accessible disconnect unless in metallic raceway? [NEC 690.14, 690.31 (F)]
34. Disconnects for all current-carrying conductors of PV source? [690.13] Disconnects for equipment? [NEC 690.17]
35. Grounded conductors not fused or switched? Bolted disconnects OK.
· Note: Listed PV Centers by Xantrex, Outback, and others for 12, 24, and 48-volt systems contain charge controllers, disconnects, and over current protection for entire dc system with possible exception of source circuit or module protective fuses.
6. INVERTERS (Stand-alone Systems):
36. Inverter listed to UL Standard 1741? [NEC 110.3] Note: Inverters listed to telecommunications or other standards do not meet NEC requirements.
37. DC input currents calculated for cable and fuse requirements? Input current = rated ac output in watts divided by lowest battery voltage divided by inverter efficiency at that power level. [NEC 690.8(B)(4)]
38. Cables to batteries sized 125% of calculated inverter input currents? [NEC 690.8(A)]
39. Overcurrent / Disconnects mounted near batteries and external to PV load centers if cables are longer than 4-5 feet to batteries or inverter?
40. High interrupt, listed, dc-rated fuses or circuit breakers used in battery circuits? AIR / AIC at least 20,000 amps? [NEC 690.71 (C), 110.9]
41. No multi- wire branch circuits where single 120-volt inverters connected to 120/240-volt load centers? [100-Branch Circuit, Multi-wire], [NEC 690.10(C)]
7. BATTERIES:
· None are listed.
42. Building-wire type cables used? [Chapter 3] Note: Welding cables, marine, locomotive (OLO), and auto battery cables don't meet NEC. Flexible, listed USE, RHW, or THW cables are available. Article 400 flexible cables larger than 2/0 AWG are OK for battery cell connections, but not in conduit or through walls. [690.74, 400.8] Flexible, fine stranded cables require very limited, specially listed terminals. See stand-alone inverters for ampacity calculations.
43. Access limited? [NEC 690.71 (B)]
44. Installed in well-vented areas (garages, basements, outbuildings, and not living areas)? Note: Manifolds, power venting, and single exterior vents to the outside are not required and should be avoided.
45. Cables to inverters, dc load centers, and/or charge controllers in conduit? Conduit enters the battery enclosure below the tops of the batteries? [NEC 300.4]
46. Note: There are no listed battery boxes. Lockable heavy-duty plastic polyethylene toolboxes are usually acceptable
8. INVERTERS (Utility-interactive Systems):
47. Inverter listed to UL Standard 1741 and identified for use in interactive photovoltaic power systems? [NEC 690.4(D), 690.60] Note: Inverters listed to telecommunications and other standards do not meet NEC requirements.
48. Please, provide submit a copy of the UL approval number or equal for the Inveter for plan check.
49. Backup charge controller to regulate the batteries when the grid fails? [NEC 690.72(B)(1)]
50. Connected to dedicated branch circuit with back-fed over current protection? [NEC 690.64]
51. Listed dc and ac disconnects and over current protection? [NEC 690.15,17]
52. Total rating of over current devices supplying power to ac load center (main breaker plus back fed PV breaker) less than load-center rating (120% of rating in residences)? [NEC 690.64(B)(2)].
9. GROUNDING:
53. Only one bonding conductor (grounded conductor to ground) for dc circuits and one bonding conductor for ac circuits (neutral to ground) for system grounding? [250] Note: The dc bonds may be located inside inverters or in ground-fault protection devices.
54. AC and dc grounding electrode conductors connected properly? They may be connected to the same grounding electrode system (ground rod). Separate electrodes, if used, must be bonded together. [NEC 690.41,47]
55. Equipment grounding conductors properly sized (even on ungrounded, low-voltage systems)? [NEC 690.43]
56. Disconnects and over current in both of the ungrounded conductors in each circuit on 12-volt, ungrounded systems? [NEC 240.20(A)], [690.41]
57. Bonding fittings used with metal conduits when dc system voltage is more than 250V dc? [NEC 250.97]
10) CONDUCTORS (General):
58. Standard building-wire cables and wiring methods used? [NEC 300.1 (A)]
59. Wet-rated conductors used in conduits in exposed locations? [100 Definition of Location, Wet]
60. DC color codes correct? They are the same as ac color codes-grounded conductors are white and equipment-grounding conductors are green, green/yellow, or bare. [200.6(A)]
· GENERAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
61. Approval from the Planning, Engineering or Fire Department is also required prior to permit issuance. Please review the attached correction lists completely, if there is not a correction list from each of the departments listed above please call the Building department.
62. Provide a site plan, to show existing house and the location of the solar panels.
63. Show location(s) and size(s) amperage of all existing electrical main panel, and sub -panels. Systems rating must be labeled.
64. Provide a statement on the cover sheet of the plans indicating that this project will comply with 2001 CBC and CEC. And Note on plans that the Photovoltaic System installation shall comply with the requirements of Article 690 of the 2001 California Electrical Code (CEC).
65. Provide copies of the manufacturers documentation for the PHOTOVOLTAIC Panels (MODULE).
66. Please provide and specify UL approval number and manufacturers specification for photovoltaic INVENTORS on plans.
67. Please provide Photovoltaic System Wiring Diagram. Show the number and size of WIRING, CONDUIT and specify conductor TYPE on the single line diagram. Detail the interactive point of connection. Note: number, size and type of wires, conduit and conductor shown on single line diagram should match manufacturers recommendations and CEC.
68. Are the conductors from the PV array run through the house? If so, then what the method will be used to address the protection issuers? Per CEC 690.31 where direct current Photovoltaic source or output circuits of a utility –interactive inverter from building-integrated or other photovoltaic system are run inside a building or structure, they shall be contained in metallic raceways or enclosures from the point of penetration of the surface of the building or structure to the first readily accessible disconnecting means. The disconnect means shall comply with 690.14(A) and 690.14(D).
69. All wiring (conductor installation rating) shall be rated at 90 degrees as required in CEC Article 690.31Table C.
70. The circuit conductors and over current devices shall be sized to carry not less than 125 percent of the maximum currents as computed in 6890.8 (A) (CEC Article 690.8 (B) (1). Show compliance.
71. Please, add a note on plans “ Wire nuts will not be used for DC Connections”.
72. Please, add a note on plans that strain relief’s/cable clamps or conduit used on all cables and cord must comply with CEC Article 300.4 and 400.10.
73. Please, add a note on plans “ DC connections to be made in listed 600V Connector”
74. Please, specify the wire size of the DC disconnect fuse on plans (CEC 690.16).
75. Please, specify the temperature correction factor of 1.1 for San Diego Area. (CEC Table 690.7 and Article 690.7).
76. Please, revise the solar Modules grounding wire size. The minimum required wire is 10 AWG.
77. All wiring located in attic or on roof shall be located in approved conduit for wet location. See correction above.
78. Show the Grounding of the new equipment and solar models on the plans. Please specify the required grounding wire size and electrode on plans (CEC Article 690.41).
79. Specify the number, size, type and location where batteries will be stored (CEC Article 690.71). If applicable.
80. Please add a note on plans “ access to DC wiring will be restricted to qualified personal only”.
81. Include notes for the following signage:
a. To be installed adjacent to the main electrical service: “THIS ELECTRICAL SERVICE IS ALSO SERVED BY A PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR) POWER SYSTEM, 1 of 2 DISCONNECTS.” (CEC Article 690.56 (B)). Attached this sign to main utility service panel.
b. To be installed at thee main electrical service photovoltaic disconnects: “PHOTOVOLTAIC DISCONNECT MEANS, 2 of 2 DISCONNECTS.” Sign identify Photovoltaic Power Source (at DC disconnect)
a) Operating current (CEC Article 690.53).
b) Operating voltage,
c) Maximum system voltage (CEC Article 690.7 and 690.14 c)
d) Short-circuit current (CEC Article 690.8)
Please attached to SDGE utility AC disconnect.
82. To be installed where the terminals of the disconnect may be energized in the open position: “WARNING-ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD-TERMINALS ON BOTH LINES AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. DUAL POWER SUPPLY-PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. (CEC Article 690.17 (4))
83. Show exterior elevations, including the solar panels.
84. Please provide plan-view showing layout (arrangement) of solar panels. Show location of each panel and distance between panels.
85. Please, show the existing roof information on plans:
a) Show the slope of the roof / covered patio.
b) Show the roofing material.
c) Show the size and spacing of the existing framing system.
86. Specify on plans that photovoltaic support (i.e. roof trace, etc) to be connected positively to roof farming member or blocking.
If Chula Vista really wants to be green, they should consider following the National Electrical Code and get rid of all the superfluous requirements.
