[RE-wrenches] Solar System Certification

[North Texas Renewable Energy Inc]

William
I'd be interested in including similar PE fee language in my proposals. If you'd send that I would appreciate it. 
I have only experienced a similar requirement once. In 2006 I was ordered to include a PE report, to local bldg. code enforcement, on a fairly typical residential PV install. I sent the engineering data that UniRac had online, plus a solid model CAD rendering of the roof with a cutaway view and details. They dropped the requirement for the report and issued a permit.
This 2.6 kW system was the first grid-tied & permitted install in the service area for Denton Muni Electric, Texas. Later, through the owners persistence, and an invitation for me to speak to city council & environmental committee, DME started the first PV rebate program in North Texas on Jan 1 this year. 
The Wrenches information has been a huge source of good ideas and inspiration to me. I have created a Commissioning Report based on suggestions from other Wrenches. I also bought a Fluke insulation tester and am working on creating a report to document the results of GF testing on future installs. 
What a great resource this group is! 
And thanks for your consistent levelheaded input.
Best regards
Jim Duncan
North Texas Renewable Energy
Fort Worth Texas
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: William Miller 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 5:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar System Certification


  Brian:

  I looked up the Municipal Codes (http://www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us/~ci26/how-do-i/get/get-city-codes) and this requirement is right in there.  I hope you have a provision in your contract that allows for additional billing for unanticipated engineering fees.  Everyone should.  If you need language, contact me off line.

  Fortunately I have never experienced anything like this.  This requirement sounds unreasonable.  It is sort of like asking an air conditioning contractor to have the air conditioning unit tested in the field.  Individual solar components are listed.  The combining of the components is facilitated by the manufacturers specifications and on-line sizing tools. Having said that, an amateur can easily screw the design and installation of even the most simple grid-tie system.  This provision is the ultimate consumer protection.  It sounds onerous at first but does have a benefit.

  Good luck, and give us a hint how much this certification costs.

  William Miller




  At 01:31 PM 12/18/2009, you wrote:

    I am curious if any of you have had to deal with this issue before.
     
    The following is an item we got back from the City of Yorba Linda for a Plan Check correction:
     
     
     All electrical solar systems shall be tested and approved by a California Registered Electrical Engineer.  The engineer shall furnish a report stating their name, registration number, its date of expiration, address where the testing occurred and the dates of testing and approval.  Such report shall be presented to the City inspector for approval at the time of final inspection.  (YLMC 15.28.020)  Note on the plans.
     
    All experiences and suggestion are appreciated.

     

    Best Regards,
    Brian C. White
    Design Engineer - PV Systems
     
    Eagle Roofing Products
    120 North Auburn Street - Suite 212
    Grass Valley, CA  95945
    Phone: 530-273-2948
    Cell: 530-575-5550
    e-mail: brianw at eagleroofing.com <mailto:brianw at eagleroofing.com> 

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  Please note new e-mail address and domain:

  William Miller 
  Miller Solar
  Voice :805-438-5600
  email: william at millersolar.com
  http://millersolar.com
  License No. C-10-773985




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