Model Inspection Checklist
Model Inspection Checklist
Model Inspection Checklist
INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
FOR ROOFTOP PV SYSTEMS
Prepared by:
Sky Stanfield and
Don Hughes
September, 2013
www.irecusa.org
is our hope that in most states identifying the equivalent state code sections should be a
relatively simple process. In addition, it is important for jurisdictions to add any unique
state or local requirements that do not exist in the national codes utilized by IREC. It is
also possible that a state body could choose to offer a statewide inspection checklist
based on this Model that includes all the relevant state code requirements in order to
save time for municipalities. Alternately, municipalities in a region may pool their
resources to add the local code requirements to this Model.
It is important to note that an inspection checklist is not a replacement for careful review
and understanding of the actual code requirements. A checklist is merely intended to act
as an abbreviated tool, which can be used on-site for verification of compliance with
code requirements and as a quick reference guide to help inspectors quickly find the
correct code sections. Where there is a question about the actual language of the code
section or the specificity of the requirement, both inspectors and installers should look up
the code sections rather than relying on any inspection checklist.
The Model Inspection Checklist for Rooftop PV Systems was developed after reviewing
existing checklists that have been created by leading jurisdictions across the United
States. IREC incorporated the best components of each of these checklists and then
worked with Don Hughes, Senior Electrical Inspector with Santa Clara County, California,
to identify the relevant code requirements and add the citations. We also incorporated
suggestions from numerous jurisdictions that have attended workshops on permitting
reform hosted by IREC. Finally, this document was peer-reviewed by qualified inspectors
and building code officials from across the country, and by UL representatives. The
reviewers provided helpful feedback on the code requirements and other considerations
regarding how checklists are implemented.
IREC is hopeful that this Model Inspection Checklist will act as a valuable resource for
municipalities. IREC welcomes comments and suggestions about the content and
implementation of the Model checklist by municipalities and installers.
IREC is grateful to the following individuals for their assistance in providing comments on
the development of this Model: John K. Taecker, Gary Goodell, Jeff Fecteau, and Boris
Sursky.
Section 2: Grounding
o A complete grounding electrode system is installed. (NEC 690.47(A) & (B))
o Modules are grounded in accordance with manufacturers installation instructions
using the supplied hardware or listed equipment specified in the instructions and
identified for the environment, and using the grounding point identified on the
module and in the manufacturers instructions. (NEC 690.43 & 110.3(B))
o Properly sized equipment grounding conductor is routed with the circuit
conductors. (NEC 690.45, 250.134(B) & 300.3(B))
Section 4: Conductors
o Exposed single conductor wiring is a 90C, wet rated and sunlight resistant type
USE-2 or listed PV wire. (NEC 690.31(B)) If the wiring is in a conduit, it is 90C,
wet rated type RHW-2, THWN-2, or XHHW-2. (NEC 310.15)
o Exposed single conductors used for ungrounded (transformerless) systems are
listed and identified as "PV wire." (NEC 690.35(D)(3)) For other conductor
requirements for ungrounded systems see NEC 690.35(D).
o Conductor insulation is rated at 90C to allow for operation at 70C+ near modules.
(NEC 310.15)
o Where conductors or cables are installed in conduits exposed to direct sunlight
on or above rooftops, correction factors for ambient temperature adjustments are
applied. (2008 NEC 310.15(B)(2)(c) & 2011 NEC 310.15(B)(3)(c))
o Grounded conductor is identified white or grey. (NEC 200.6)
o Open conductors are secured and protected. (NEC 338.12(A)(3) & 334.30)
o Conductors are not in contact with the roof surface. (NEC 334.30)
o DC conductors inside a building are in a metal raceway or MC metal-clad cable
that complies with 250.118(10), or metal enclosures. (NEC 690.31(E))
o If more than one nominal voltage system conductor is installed in the raceway,
permanent identification and labeling is required. (NEC 200.6(D) & 210.5(C))
o For underground conductor installations, the burial depth is appropriate and
warning tape is in place. (NEC 300.5(D)(3) & Table 300.5)
o Aluminum is not placed in direct contact with concrete. (NEC 250.120(B) &
110.11)
o DC source circuit conductors are rated at 1.25 x 1.25 = 156% short-circuit (ISC)
current from modules. NOTE: The module ISC x number of combined strings, if
strings are combined. When DC source circuits (strings) are connected in parallel
the short circuit current multiplies and PV output conductors from combined
strings need to be sized appropriately. (NEC 690.8(1) & (B)(1))
o PV circuit and premises wiring is separated. (NEC 690.4(B))
o PV system conductors shall be grouped and identified. (2011 NEC 690.4(B))
o PV interconnect breaker is located at the opposite end of the buss from the
feeder connection, unless using 100% rated equipment. (2008 NEC 690.64(B)(7),
705.12(D)(7) & 2011 NEC 705.12(D)(7))
Section 8: Disconnects
o Disconnects used in DC circuits are listed for DC operation. (NEC 110.3)
o Disconnects are installed for all current carrying conductors of the PV source.
(NEC 690.13 - 690.14)
o Disconnects are installed for the PV equipment. NOTE: For inverters and other
equipment that are energized from more than one source, the disconnecting
means must be grouped and identified. (NEC 690.15)
o Disconnects and overcurrent protection are installed for all ungrounded
conductors in ungrounded (transformerless) PV power systems. (NEC 240.15 &
690.35)
Section 9: Inverters
o Inverters are listed to UL 1741. (NEC 690.4(D)) NOTE: grid-tied system inverters
need to be identified for use in interactive power systems.
o Point of connection is at a dedicated breaker or disconnect. (2008 NEC
690.64(B)(1), 705.12(D)(1) & 2011 NEC 705.12(D)(1))
o Total rating of the overcurrent devices supplying equipment does not exceed
120% of the equipment rating. (2008 NEC 690.64(B)(2), 705.12(D)(2) & 2011
NEC 705.12(D)(2))
o Listed AC and DC disconnects and overcurrent protection are grouped and
identified. (NEC 690.15)
o No multi-wire branch circuits are installed where single 120-volt inverters are
connected to 120/240-volt load centers. (NEC 690.10(C))
o The plastic barrier is re-installed between the AC, DC wiring and communication
wires. (NEC 110.3(B) & 110.27)
o High interrupt, listed, DC rated fuses or circuit breakers are used in battery
circuits. The AIC is at least 20,000 amps. (NEC 690.71(C) & 110.9)
o Cables to inverters, DC load centers, and/or charge controllers are in a conduit.
(NEC 690.31(A) & 690.31(E))
o Conduits enter the battery enclosure below the tops of the batteries. NOTE: this
is to avoid accidental ventilation of gases into electrical equipment where sparks
may occur. Follow battery enclosure manufacturer's instructions for venting and
conduit locations. (NEC 110.3(B), 480.9(A) & 480.10)
o A disconnect means is provided for all ungrounded conductors derived from a
stationary battery system over 30 volts. (NEC 480.5 & 690.15) NOTE: see NEC
690.71(E) for additional service disconnecting means requirements for series
connected battery circuits.
o Area is well ventilated and the batteries are not installed in living areas. (NEC
408.9(A) & 408.10)
Location of Label
Utility-interactive inverter &
battery enclosure
NEC 690.35(F)
NEC 690.14(C)(1)
NEC 690.14(C)(2)
NEC 690.53
Text
WARNING: ELECTRIC
SHOCK HAZARD IF A
GROUND FAULT IS
INDICATED, NORMALLY
GROUNDED CONDUCTORS
MAY BE UNGROUNDED
AND ENERGIZED
WARNING: ELECTRIC
SHOCK HAZARD. THE DC
CONDUCTORS OF THIS
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
ARE UNGROUNDED AND
MAY BE ENERGIZED.
DC DISCONNECT IS
LOCATED.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
DISCONNECT
OPERATING CURRENT ___
OPERATING VOLTAGE ___
MAXIMUM SYSTEM
VOLTAGE ___
NEC 690.54
At interactive points of
interconnection, usually the
main service
NEC 690.56(B)/
690.14(D)(4),
705.10
2011 NEC 690.4(H)
NEC 690.17
NEC 690.64(B)(7)
Code Section
Common Utility
Requirement
Location of Label
At the main electrical
service when a supply side
tap is used
NEC 690.55
Battery enclosure
Text
CAUTION! SUPPLY SIDE
TAP. OPEN AND LOCK AC
PV DISCONNECT BEFORE
REMOVING METER.
MAXIMUM OPERATING
VOLTAGE, EQUALIZATION
VOLTAGE POLARITY OF
GROUNDED CONDUCTORS
MAXIMUM MAIN BREAKER
SIZE: XXX AMPS
WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC
POWER SOURCE
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o DC wiring methods shall not be installed within 25cm (10) of the roof decking or
sheathing except where directly below the roof surface covered by the PV
modules and associated equipment. (2011 NEC 690.31(E)(1))
o All roofs have an access point that does not place ground ladders over openings
such as windows or doors, are located at strong points of building construction,
and in locations where the access point does not conflict with overhead
obstructions such as tree limbs, wires, or signs. (IFC 605.11.3.1)
o Roofs with slopes greater than 2:12 have solar panel layouts that meet the
following criteria: (some exceptions apply, see diagrams in IFC)
o
Hip Roofs: Panels/modules are located so that there is a 3-foot wide clear
access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where
panels/modules are located. (IFC 605.11.3.2.1)
Single Ridges: Panels/modules are located so that there are two 3-foot wide
access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where there
are panels/modules installed. (IFC 605.11.3.2.2)
Ridges: Panels/modules are located no higher than 3 feet from the top of the
ridge in order to allow for fire department smoke ventilation operations. (IFC
605.11.3.2.4)
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