Solar, AHJ's and Codes

For those of you going into solar design, one of the must-have's in your solar arsenal is a strong familiarization with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and their specific codes.  All jurisdictions will follow their perspective state's codes, but often times will add adjustments that best support their territory.  For example, a forest county may have stricter fire code requirements than a jurisdiction out in the middle of the desert, whereas the latter may have a tighter reign on heat tolerance specs.

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Fire Codes

"Offsets, offsets, offsets" - Yes, you'll hear it all the time when determining the location of your array.

Here is the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Office of the State Fire Marshal's SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION GUIDELINE

Here are few captures from the guide which focus on the 3' offsets:

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HOA/CCNR Codes and Applications Sample

FORM - Compliance Deposit Submittal Form - 2012 Jan - Standard Lots

FORM - Submittal & Installation Guidelines - Solar PV - Serrano 2012

FORM - Submittal Form - Standard 08-23-12

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Carbon Monoxide

Designers and Installers ready to apply for permit?  Be sure you're aware of CO2 detector requirements.  You will not pass inspection unless detectors have been installed in units with human occupancy.  Read this first to view frequently asked questions and to get an understanding of what lead to the Act:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers

S.B. 183 enacts the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010

• California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010


• HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13260-13263
  
  
  
  • Note Section 17926 states,"For all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before July 1, 2011." with "all others" before January 1, 2013.  Perhaps it will be mandatory for structures built after that date to have detectors included in construction and design.


• Carbon Monoxide Monitors - Installation - This document outlines the optimal locations in a home for detector placement.

Additional Information on Carbon Monoxide:

• EPA
  
  
  
  • Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - From this page, the one advice that stands out is "don’t let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security"

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