Solar, AHJ's and Codes

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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.



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:










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



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

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

Additional Information on Carbon Monoxide:


Comments

  1. John BondSeptember 26, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Thank you for the great information & for going the extra mile for us

    ReplyDelete

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