[RE-wrenches] Solar System Certification

Mon Dec 21 13:12:06 PST 2009

So you can get others to install your designs? I would never touch materials I do not sell, or install a system I did not design... and I am amazed anyone would.

Todd

On Monday, December 21, 2009 12:56pm, "Brian White" <brianw at eagleroofing.com> said:

> Thanks to all who have posted.
> 
> To answer a couple of questions that have been posted.
> 
> Eagle Roofing does not have a contractor's license, as we do not perform the
> installation. We work with electrical contractors and roofing contractors in the
> area of a given project. Our services do include the design and documentation of
> the system, and "help" our partners pull the permit.
> 
> We have tried several of the approaches mentioned here, i.e. the system consist of
> certified products, and why do we have to re-test certified products, etc.
> However, this plan checker seems very firm on their position. Pressing further, we
> asked them to provide the criteria for the test they are requesting, and amazingly
> enough they could not produce any. They also said that just a wet stamp of the
> plans would not suffice.
> 
> We have completed previous installations in this local within the last year and
> were not faced with this requirement, even though it was originally adopted in
> 2007.
> 
> The following is a verbal description of what they want done;
> 
> He said that a registered electrical engineer has to be onsite when the
> installation of this system is completed.  This engineer has to test the power
> (wattage) and load (amps) to make sure that the output is within the parameters of
> which this system is design for, and finally this person has to write a report
> with his PE stamp to certify that this system is working properly.
> 
> We did get as far as to get him to agree that it did not seem relevant, as he said
> he was going to look into the ordinance a little further and might make some
> revisions to it.  However, for now, he won't budge on this ordinance because it's
> been in the city code before he came on board.
> 
> Also, some additional system information. 3 strings of 38 PV Tiles (Suntech 50
> Watt BIPV Roof Tile) with one PV Powered 4800 Watt inverter in a grid tied set up.
> Not exactly a complex system.
> 
> I will provide additional updates as I get them.
> 
> Thanks again,
> 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>
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org on behalf of William Miller
> Sent: Fri 12/18/2009 3:05 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> 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
> <http://millersolar.com/> License No. C-10-773985
> 
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