Is there a spec for width of border around roof mounted solar panels?

[Living Large]

Somewhere recently I saw mention in a thread here to a requirement for a border adjacent to roof mounted PV panels (between panels and the edges of the roof). Is there such an animal? Is this in the NEC? Thanks!

[inetdog]

Somewhere recently I saw mention in a thread here to a requirement for a border adjacent to roof mounted PV panels (between panels and the edges of the roof). Is there such an animal? Is this in the NEC? Thanks!

This is not in the NEC, it is in the locally adopted building or fire code.
In California there are statewide standards which can be viewed online.

[Samsolar]

Lots has been written about this one. Google solarpro fire setbacks for a number of articles.

At the end of the day local jurisdictions can implement setback requirements however they choose. They may rigidly enforce setbacks, offer waivers in certain cases or not require any setback at all. Your best bet is to ask your local AHJ to find out what they have chosen to do. Local installers should also have a good feel for what is required if they have done installs in your area.

[Living Large]

Thank, folks. I didn't think it would be NEC, but I have no experience with local codes. The site is in another state, but I have some phone #'s there of people in the industry I can ask.

I'll try searching online. Honesty, I initially didn't even realize there would be such a spec - though it makes sense there is.

[SunEagle]

Thank, folks. I didn't think it would be NEC, but I have no experience with local codes. The site is in another state, but I have some phone #'s there of people in the industry I can ask.

I'll try searching online. Honesty, I initially didn't even realize there would be such a spec - though it makes sense there is.

It comes down to what the local fire department feels is a pv installation that is safe for their people to fight the fire without worrying about being electrocuted.

While there is a National Fire Code there is a number of versions and it represents the minimum requirements. That allows the locals to have the ability to makes changes as long as they are stricter then the general code.

[Living Large]

It comes down to what the local fire department feels is a pv installation that is safe for their people to fight the fire without worrying about being electrocuted.

While there is a National Fire Code there is a number of versions and it represents the minimum requirements. That allows the locals to have the ability to makes changes as long as they are stricter then the general code.

I searched for the suggested term above, and got a (I thought) reasonable explanation regarding both venting/access to venting buildings by fire department personnel as well as wind uplift at the edges. Solar industry wanted 2', code people 4', compromise at 3'. This is the 3' number I heard mentioned, and it appears to apply to the sides and top... in California that is.

This gives me a baseline - I am trying to design the garage that will support the panels, which is the reason for posting here. In my initial design, I didn't know about this item - and went closer to the edges. I will check on the local codes before finalizing that - can't change the building once it is erected.

[J.P.M.]

I searched for the suggested term above, and got a (I thought) reasonable explanation regarding both venting/access to venting buildings by fire department personnel as well as wind uplift at the edges. Solar industry wanted 2', code people 4', compromise at 3'. This is the 3' number I heard mentioned, and it appears to apply to the sides and top... in California that is.

This gives me a baseline - I am trying to design the garage that will support the panels, which is the reason for posting here. In my initial design, I didn't know about this item - and went closer to the edges. I will check on the local codes before finalizing that - can't change the building once it is erected.

I'd also call the local AHJ and fire protection agency and see what they require. Not completely , but those folks will pretty much have the say in what's allowed with respect to code compliance, and perhaps more importantly exceptions.

[Samsolar]

It comes down to what the local fire department feels is a pv installation that is safe for their people to fight the fire without worrying about being electrocuted.

While there is a National Fire Code there is a number of versions and it represents the minimum requirements. That allows the locals to have the ability to makes changes as long as they are stricter then the general code.

I'm was not aware of the National Fire Code being a minimum requirement. I believe local jurisdictions are allowed to waive "requirements" at their discretion. Are you saying that this is not the case?

[SunEagle]

I'm was not aware of the National Fire Code being a minimum requirement. I believe local jurisdictions are allowed to waive "requirements" at their discretion. Are you saying that this is not the case?

I am saying the the National Fire and Electric code is based on the minimum safety requirements written for a specific revision year. A local jurisdiction may add to or increase the requirements but can't (as far as I have been told) waive the requirements referenced in the approved revision year by that State.

The NEC comes out with a new revision every 3 years with 2014 being the latest revision. Even though the 2014 NEC has gone out most states have not approved the need to meet that code revision but are working off the 2011 code. So any work performed must meet the currently approved code by the state but does not need to meet the revised code until it has been approved throughout the state.

I worked with an AHJ on some projects that wanted much more than what the latest NEC approved by the state required. Because his requirements were more stringent and technically made it "safer" for people I was forced to meet them.

[Living Large]

I'd also call the local AHJ and fire protection agency and see what they require. Not completely , but those folks will pretty much have the say in what's allowed with respect to code compliance, and perhaps more importantly exceptions.

Good point about exceptions. I don't believe solar is very poplar in that area, and I'll be interested to see what response I get. "Solar what???"