Article 690: PV Systems
690.12 - Rapid Shutdown
Rapid shutdown is not required for ground mounted PV arrays
Article 705: Interconnected Electrical Power Production Sources
705.12 - Point of Connection
110: Requirements for Electrical System
110.26 - Working clearances around electrical equipment
36" depth, 30" width and 6'6" height
UL 9540 vs UL 9540A
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Relevant section for PV - 605.11 (Group R-3 Buildings)
605.11.3.2.1 - Full Hip Building
(1) 3ft eave to ridge pathway on each roof slope with a PV array
605.11.3.2.2 - Single Ridge Building
(2) 3ft eave to ridge pathways on each roof slope with a PV array
605.11.3.2.3 - Hip and Valley Building
Panels/modules installed on residential buildings with roof hips and valleys shall be located no closer than 18 inches (457 mm) to a hip or a valley where panels/modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where panels are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the panels shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.
605.11.3.2.4 - Smoke Ventilation
Modules to be a minimum of 3ft from the ridge
Relevant section for PV - 605.11 (Group R-3 Buildings)
605.11.1.2.2 - Full Hip Building
(1) 3ft eave to ridge pathway on each roof slope with a PV array
605.11.1.2.3 - Single Ridge Building
(2) 3ft eave to ridge pathways on each roof slope with a PV array
605.11.1.2.4 - Hip and Valley Building
Panels/modules installed on residential buildings with roof hips and valleys shall be located no closer than 18 inches (457 mm) to a hip or a valley where panels/modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where panels are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the panels shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.
605.11.1.2.5 - Smoke Ventilation
Modules to be a minimum of 3ft from the ridge.
Relevant section for PV - 1204 (Group R-3 Buildings)
1204.2.1.1 - Pathways to ridge.
Not fewer than two 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathways on separate roof planes, from lowest roof edge to ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, not fewer than one 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathway from lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes.
1204.2.1.2 - Setbacks at ridge.
For photovoltaic arrays occupying 33 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 36 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
Relevant section for PV - 1205 - Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems
1205.2.1.1 - Pathways to ridge.
Not fewer than two 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathways on separate roof planes, from lowest roof edge to ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, not fewer than one 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathway from lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes.
1205.2.1.2 - Setbacks at ridge.
For photovoltaic arrays occupying 33 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 36 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
Exceptions:
Detached, uninhabitable, Group U structures including, but not limited to, detached garages serving Group R-3 buildings, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures do not require fire setbacks.
Flat Roofs (roof pitch less than 9.5 degrees or 2/12 pitch):
No setbacks are required for flat roofs per R324.6 - Exception #3. The city of LA in California amended the California Residential Code to require 3' setbacks on all sides of the flat roof.
Ridge setback
Minimum of 12" ridge setbacks on both sides
36" ridge setback required
When there are no open/unused adjacent roof planes
Eave to Ridge pathways
If array covers less than 25% of the total roof, no pathway is required
If array covers more than 25% of the total roof minimum of (1) 36" eave to ridge pathway is required from exterior load bearing wall
(2) 36" pathways when there are no open/unused adjacent roof planes
Hip/Valley - If hip or valley is shared between roof planes, 36" pathway can be split
See below for information on trenching, string requirements, metal roof standards, equipment placement, generators, and wire/OCPD sizing.