Photovoltaics

Confirm that roof or ground area is suitable to accommodate installation of the indicated size PV system

Comply with all federal requirements regarding National Environment Act, Historic Preservation Act and local requirements

Verify current electrical panel and service line infrastructure is in good condition, compliant with codes, and of sufficient electrical capacity (Amps) to accommodate interconnection of solar power. Verify the position of spare (unused) breaker or space to install new breaker in panel for solar power interconnection. Any upgrades to the electrical panel or service, such as size and type of circuit breakers, shall be completed before PV system is energized

If a roof installation is planned, verify that the roof will support the installation (e.g., dead load, wind load) and that the current roof covering is less than 5 years old. Verify that the type of roof is suitable for solar installation (e.g. not slate or wood shingle). The roof understructure shall be inspected and evaluated for support of PV system. Any reinforcements, such as blocking between rafters, shall be completed before load of PV system is applied

If a roof installation is planned, the roof shall be inspected, cleaned and any necessary repairs shall be made

If a ground installation is planned, confirm access for installing equipment, suitable slope, suitable stormwater run-off accommodation, and site soil conditions and indicate if any sub-surface infrastructure is present (underground pipes, etc)

For roof-mounted or ground-mounted systems, all energized components shall not be accessible to the public through the use of locking hardware, closed wiring raceways or conduit.

Design the size of PV system to serve the prescribed load

Prepare electrical one line drawing

Prepare layout drawings showing location and connections of all equipment

Provide list (make, model) of all equipment

Design PV system layout to provide safe access around PV modules as required by codes and standards, and required clearances around balance-of-system components such as inverter and switchgear

Locate PV Modules to minimize shading factor and maximize solar gain, but not interfere with existing systems or appliance operation (e.g., chimneys, vents, exhaust terminations)

Provide equipment specifications (electrical and physical specifications) of major equipment including PV modules, inverters, metering/monitoring, and other major system components. Specify inverter arrangement (central inverter, string inverter, micro-inverter, DC optimizer) and show all electrical connections on one-line diagram. Include in PV system design any upgrades required for utility meter and utility service to building.

Secure approval of design by utility and secure interconnection agreement to operate utility-connected PV system

Determine if utility connection will involve new utility rate schedule and specify. Specify any utility terms regarding net metering of electricity and credit of surplus electricity.

Installer shall meet the requirements of AHJ

Installer shall have certification as an installer by the National Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) or recognized equivalent certification, training or experience.

SecureIf roof mounted, secure the mounting structures to the roof following manufacturer instructions

Install flashing to make all roof penetrations weather-tight and leak-proof using instructions and materials specified by the manufacturer

If ground mounted, survey subsurface for underground pipes, wires, etc. and install foundation type appropriate for soil conditions and slope

Install inverters and disconnects in a safe and accessible location,. The inverter shall be located in the shade when specified by manufacturer's instructions, if possible

Install solar panels on the mounting structures according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The installation shall comply with all applicable codes and standards adopted by Authority Having Jurisdiction, including but not limited to:

National ElectricElectrical Code (NEC)

International Residential Code (IRC)

IEC 62446-1 for testing and documenting as-built condition of PV system

IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

UL 1703 Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

UL 2703, Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

Manufacturer's installation and operation manuals

If conflict exists between code and manufacturer specifications, apply the more restrictive requirement.

Install PV Array and Balance of System to allow for inspection, maintenance, and replacement of the PV system components

Provide a path that allows the PV modules to be safely accessed without damaging the roof or PV modules, and access to maintain any ground mounted equipment

Comply with codes and consult with fire marshal or fire authority regarding required access.

Install all electrical components according to the NEC and authority having jurisdictionAHJ

Fasten wires with wire ties and conduit as per design and installationmanufacturer's instructions

The system shall be connected to the electrical grid at a location and in a method approved by the utility

If a conflict exists, the most restrictive rule applies.

Monitor the system energy delivery for a minimum of 12 months and compare results with predicted energy production

Provide documentation to the building owner, including:

copy of the installation and operation manual

electrical diagrams and schematics

certificate of inspection and approval

system performance benchmark data

Inspect the installation as required by the AHJ

Confirm that as-built PV system is as specified (size and number of PV modules, etc).

PerformInstaller shall ensure that the installed equipment matches specifications

Installer shall conduct electrical teststesting, including but not limited to:
PV string maximum/minimum voltages are confirmed to verify proper operationbe within inverter specifications

Conductor insulation test using a megohm meter on all home-run wiring to ensure no leakage currents to earth (Pos-to-GND and system performance

Tests include open circuit voltage, operating current,Neg-to-GND resistance of grounding system (should be <25 ohmsgreater than specified in the design),

Operating voltage and resistancepolarity of electrical insulation (should be >1 Megohm)

Measuredeach string measured and documented. Compare voltage shall be comparedmeasurement to reference voltage corrected for temperaturevalue

MeasuredGrounding resistance is less than specified in the design

Operating current shall be comparedof each string is measured and documented. Compare current measurement to reference current correctedvalue

Installer shall conduct whole system performance test, including but not limited to:

Inverter’s internal power meter and display are confirmed using independent meters (once complete, inverter-displayed power readings can be used for insolation (sunlight levelsubsequent reporting)

System output under actual conditions is within 5% of expected, calculated performance. Actual power delivery could be from faceplate of inverter or separate power measurement

Check inverter display and operational indicators for status and any error messages. Record operating status

PV array maximum DC power has been confirmed to be within inverter specifications

Installer shall validate that the monitoring system is set up properly and is operational.

ClearUpon completion of installation, clear jobsite of construction waste

Permanently remove all waste materials from job sitejobsite and recycle or dispose of removed materials in accordance with local and federal lawrequirements.

Provide documentation to the homeowner, including:

Provide occupants/owners with user's manual

Warranty information and information required to enforce warranties (serial number, warrantydate of installation) upon transfer of manufacturer equipment warranties for all components such as PV modules and inverters

Installer contact information, installation instructionscontact information for emergency contacts (utility company, fire department), suppliers of services and installer contact informationspare parts

Instructions for cleaning and vegetation management for ground mounted systems

Continued monitoring instructions and log-in credentials for the monitoring platform

Electrical diagrams and schematics

Certificate of inspection and approval

System performance benchmark data.

The PV modules and inverter shall be warranted by the manufacturer

PV modules shall have manufacturer's "product warranty" covering materials and workmanship for not less than 10 years and "performance warranty" covering at least 80% of nameplate power rating for not less than 25 years. Inverters shall have at least a 10-year warranty by manufacturer

Whole system shall be warranted by the installer for a period of at least 1 year.

The warranty shall cover defects in materials and workmanship