Bill Brooks from Brooks Engineering published a very helpful report that presents the Expedited Permit Process for small-scale photovoltaic systems. The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards recommends that all local jurisdictions use this report to quickly and diligently award building permits to installers of small PV systems less than 13 kW.
The report, Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems is accessible online. You can also use the supplementary documents (a fill-in-form and map of solar reference points) from the Solarabcs.org website.
Some of the most pertinent sections of this helpful report are excerpted below:
What qualifies a PV Project for Expedited Permitting?
1. The structural installation of the systems meets the following criteria:
a. the array is mounted on a code-compliant structure;
b. an engineered mounting system is used to attach the array to the structure; and,
c. the array has a distributed weight of less than 5 lbs./ft and less than 45 lbs. per attachment.
2. The electrical design of the system can be described using the supplied standard electrical diagram and meets the following criteria:
a. all products are listed and identified for the application (i.e. modules, inverters, source combiners, etc.);
b. the array is composed of 4 series strings or less and 15 kWSTC or less; and,
c. the inverter output is 13.44 kW or less (maximum size for 70-amp breaker) and is connected on the load side of the service disconnect.
What is an applicant required to provide to complete the permit package?
1. a completed permit application (submitted to the local jurisdiction)
2. the proposed site diagram showing the relative location of major components
3. the proposed standard electrical diagram
4. the specification sheets and simple instruction manuals for major components.
(cited from: Brooks, Bill. October 2009. Solar America Board for Codes and Standards Report "Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems: A Standardized Process for the Review of Small-Scale PV Systems")
Greentech Renewables provides all non-installation services required to pass permitting, including design support, layout and electrical drawings, and custom signage. Please contact us 800-409-2257 if you need any assistance.
{photo credit: coolflatroof}