Tweet
I recently completed a 20 KW horizontal tracking installation. When we called for the final electrical inspection, we we failed because we did not have a 4' high fence around the system. The electrical inspector has sited the current addition (2008) of the electrical code, sec 690.31 (A) as the requirement for a fence.
"Where photovoltaic source and output circuits operating at a maximum system voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit connectors shall be installed in a raceway. Most PV modules do not have provisions for attaching raceways. These circuits may have to be made "not readily accessible" by the issue of physical barriers such as wire screening or fencing."
The inspectors interpretation is: "Accessible, renewal, (Readily Accessible). "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or resort to portable ladders and so forth."
The inspector went on to state: "By this definition any 4' high barrier (i.e., fence) would be acceptable.
In other words any ground mounted installation of solar PV panels less than 8' above ground level, requires a fence around it.
There are several installations in our township that do not have a fence and are right at ground level. The inspector refuses to discuss these installations and their noncompliance, other than to say this is a separate issue of the township zoning officer.IMG_0523.jpg_HOC0467.jpg_HOC0470.jpg
"Where photovoltaic source and output circuits operating at a maximum system voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit connectors shall be installed in a raceway. Most PV modules do not have provisions for attaching raceways. These circuits may have to be made "not readily accessible" by the issue of physical barriers such as wire screening or fencing."
The inspectors interpretation is: "Accessible, renewal, (Readily Accessible). "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or resort to portable ladders and so forth."
The inspector went on to state: "By this definition any 4' high barrier (i.e., fence) would be acceptable.
In other words any ground mounted installation of solar PV panels less than 8' above ground level, requires a fence around it.
There are several installations in our township that do not have a fence and are right at ground level. The inspector refuses to discuss these installations and their noncompliance, other than to say this is a separate issue of the township zoning officer.IMG_0523.jpg_HOC0467.jpg_HOC0470.jpg
Comment