Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[russ]

I don't know if resubmitting the plans will be a good plan since the Installer is pretty much out of the picture. It will be more work and more money but I feel to get the system passed and working just do what the inspector asked and make it match the permit drawings.

Which should have been followed to begin with.

[SunEagle]

Well, bummer that it didn't pass, but at least that is a good lesson for those who might be reading this and want to believe the inspection is a rubber stamp. I'm not sure how it works where you are, but instead of re-running all that wire, you might be better off getting new plans and a new permit. From the discussions here, it doesn't sound like any of your wire is truly undersized per code, the bigger problem is that it doesn't match what was approved.

I don't know if resubmitting the plans will be a good plan since the Installer is pretty much out of the picture. It will be more work and more money but I feel to get the system passed and working just do what the inspector asked and make it match the permit drawings.

[HX_Guy]

Well, bummer that it didn't pass, but at least that is a good lesson for those who might be reading this and want to believe the inspection is a rubber stamp. I'm not sure how it works where you are, but instead of re-running all that wire, you might be better off getting new plans and a new permit. From the discussions here, it doesn't sound like any of your wire is truly undersized per code, the bigger problem is that it doesn't match what was approved.

Yeah, the permit designer (not the same company as the installer) kind of screwed us there. He oversized everything because "why not" but now it's biting us in the butt. I already emailed them to see what options there are.

[sensij]

Well, bummer that it didn't pass, but at least that is a good lesson for those who might be reading this and want to believe the inspection is a rubber stamp. I'm not sure how it works where you are, but instead of re-running all that wire, you might be better off getting new plans and a new permit. From the discussions here, it doesn't sound like any of your wire is truly undersized per code, the bigger problem is that it doesn't match what was approved.

[HX_Guy]

Well that went horrifyingly bad! But of course I'm not surprised. Not even as pissed as I should be really, I mean it was expected.

Basically just about every single thing I told them they needed to do, and they ignored me, was caught by the inspector and failed. Undersized wire...check. Undersized conduit...check. Exposed PV wires on the roof...check. The inspector actually didn't even catch everything, like incorrect labels or wrong color DC- wire...but the next one might (from what I heard, they kind of do it all over again from scratch when they come out again).

The inspector literally said "Well, at least the work in the attic was done right so that doesn't have to be redone." L O freaking L!



Oh, and I'm now the proud over of a rivet gun too! While waiting for the inspection, I asked the installer if we could secure the last sign on with rivets...he said it's not really needed, and he forgot his rivet gun, but it'll be fine. I didn't agree and went to Home Depot to pick one up and we secured it on the DC Disconnect. Unfortunately we missed a couple signs and that was tagged as well.





We also had the main breaker derated from 200A to 175A. The installer didn't have a torque wrench on him to put the new one back on, and I didn't have a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter for my torque wrench so everyone sat and looked at each other for a bit. Finally the inspector said if the APS (electric utility company) wants to tighten it down, then she's ok with it. It only required 22ft/lb, he said he's been doing this for 30 years and he's fine without a torque wrench. But just one fail after another.

[HX_Guy]

Installer just showed up, I'm guessing the inspection should be here soon too?

EDIT: Nevermind, he sat in front of the house for a minute, opened the truck door...then closed it and pulled away.

[Living Large]

I can only assume the inspector either didn't do a complete job of reviewing your installation or he is familiar with the work performed by the person who installed the system who has done a great job in the past.

I would question whether this is true. Reason being, I have gotten a very good glimpse of my town's politics, including the code officials and inspectors used. There is a wide spectrum of expertise, from excellent to very poor.

I wired my entire house, as a novice who checked a copy of the NEC out of the library, and asked some questions at the elec supply house. The inspection was done by the town zoning officer, and he walked through and looked to see all the outlets were covered. Then he approved my work, after like 5 minutes. That was 20 years ago, and yes we have come up a few notches. Perhaps there are more comprehensive requirements for PV system inspections, where things like that can't happen.

[control4userguy]

^You think? Of course he didn't do his job. Who does these days? That's why home owners are on here complaining and doing the some (or all) of the work themselves.

[SunEagle]

About the only good thing I can say about the town I live in is you are able to blow smoke up the inspector's rear. Never once made it to the roof (walk-up a flight of stairs), never looked in the load center and only commented about the stickers as being appropriate and no other labeling.

I can only assume the inspector either didn't do a complete job of reviewing your installation or he is familiar with the work performed by the person who installed the system who has done a great job in the past.

[control4userguy]

About the only good thing I can say about the town I live in is you are able to blow smoke up the inspector's rear. Never once made it to the roof (walk-up a flight of stairs), never looked in the load center and only commented about the stickers as being appropriate and no other labeling.

[sensij]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5561[/ATTACH]

Hey everyone... FYI... there is a HUGE difference between what the code says is legal, and what your inspector wants to see.

Every state and county is different , but this is my story.

The inspector wanted engraved placards... engraved roof maps and diagrams.... system info... on and on....

Whats LEGALLY required in Orange County Ca?

These two reflective stickers.... and nothing more.

I didnt want my solar install to be an eyesore. All the extra added stuff , boxes, conduit, decals, placards, really bummed me out.

Good thing my installer knew what the code required...

Dont let the inspectors boss you around. They are there to enforce the code.... and nothing more!!

What is legally required in Orange County? To follow California Electric Code 2013 for permits submitted on or after Jan 1, 2014. For the topics here, CEC 2013 (Title 24, Part 3) is pretty much the same as NEC 2011. The roof maps and diagrams that you consider eyesores are a generally accepted way to meet 705.10, which is required when there is power production occurring in parallel to the primary service. Whether your installer has relationship with the inspector that allowed him to get sign-off on a different interpretation is unknown to me, but to say it is due to a difference between code and law is silly.

705.10 Directory.
A permanent plaque or directory, denoting all electric power sources on or in the premises, shall be installed at each service equipment location and at locations of all electric power production sources capable of being interconnected.

[HX_Guy]

I think all wire nuts in the breaker box need to be wrapped in tape... even if they are the so called "Water Proof" type.

I used "liquid electrical tape", not good enough? I could tape it too, not a big deal.

[HX_Guy]

Can you edit the posts that include the name of the installer? You said you didn't want to advertise for him, but currently you are. Someone who doesn't go back through this thread might think they do the work of the quality that you actually did.

The errors in the labels reflect the same level of attention that the installer paid to the other parts of the job. Good grief. It's like Charlie Brown did the work. That is sad.

Good idea, I think his company info was just in photos, so I edited those photos to blur out the information.

[Alisobob]

I think all wire nuts in the breaker box need to be wrapped in tape... even if they are the so called "Water Proof" type.

[Alisobob]

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