I'm looking forward to installing my first solar PV project, 5kW in California.
Is there a checklist of the inspection?
Comments
Dave,
Almost every permitting jurisdiction has their own inspection checklist which they will gladly share with you.
Here's one for Palo Alto, CA - some consider it the toughest one around, so if you can check all these boxes, you're probably good just about anywhere:
To give you a reference, you can refer to the following list:
i) Have your array match the plans, drawings (eg. number of modules, spec sheets, wiring, inverter type)
ii) Proper wire management (wire management is one of the most important safety issue. using USE-2 for exterior locations, securing cables with ties, straps, sections protected from physical damage, wires should be properly supported and not floating around)
iii) Proper array and module grounding (this is the most common concern of the inspectors, all module frames and racking must be grounded, proper use of grounding lugs and clips
iv) Proper use of electrical enclosures and conductors (remember NEC 690.94, access to boxes, junction boxes, all wirenuts should be in j-boxes, wires should not be twisted, enclosure ratings should be suitable, using correct fuses and terminals)
v) Array to be fastened and sealed according to attachment detail (roof penetrations must be sealed, hand-pull test to screws and attachments, using proper flashing solution, using suitable racking system with the correct method of installation)
vi) Conductor ratings and sizes (USE-2 and PV wire for exposed conductors, using THWN for wet rated conductors, take the temperature effect into account and use proper conduits)
Comments
Dave,
Almost every permitting jurisdiction has their own inspection checklist which they will gladly share with you.
Here's one for Palo Alto, CA - some consider it the toughest one around, so if you can check all these boxes, you're probably good just about anywhere:
CIty of Palo Alto Inspection Checklist
Hi Dave,
Which city are you at? First thing I would do would be to contact the city authority who grants the permit. They should have given you a checklist.
There is an article at CS, it could also be helpful: Solar PV Expedited Permit Process
To give you a reference, you can refer to the following list:
i) Have your array match the plans, drawings (eg. number of modules, spec sheets, wiring, inverter type)
ii) Proper wire management (wire management is one of the most important safety issue. using USE-2 for exterior locations, securing cables with ties, straps, sections protected from physical damage, wires should be properly supported and not floating around)
iii) Proper array and module grounding (this is the most common concern of the inspectors, all module frames and racking must be grounded, proper use of grounding lugs and clips
iv) Proper use of electrical enclosures and conductors (remember NEC 690.94, access to boxes, junction boxes, all wirenuts should be in j-boxes, wires should not be twisted, enclosure ratings should be suitable, using correct fuses and terminals)
v) Array to be fastened and sealed according to attachment detail (roof penetrations must be sealed, hand-pull test to screws and attachments, using proper flashing solution, using suitable racking system with the correct method of installation)
vi) Conductor ratings and sizes (USE-2 and PV wire for exposed conductors, using THWN for wet rated conductors, take the temperature effect into account and use proper conduits)