[RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability

[Joel Davidson]

Hello Bill,

Thanks for the feedback. I need to learn more about this issue. I plan to 
attend the October 15th SolarABC meeting after the LA conference. Is 2012 
IBC draft available?

How can PV systems be classified, let alone fire-rated, when there is a 
seemingly infinite combination of module, mount, wiring, inverter, and 
safety devices possible?

Will system classification require system certification like Florida?

Is the air gap considered a problem only for tilted PV arrays? The reasons I 
ask are (1) because stand-off arrays parallel to low-pitched roof are 
mounted like HVAC equipment and (2) HVAC and other roof-mounted equipment do 
not change the building's occupancy group, construction type and minimum 
roof class.

Best regards,
Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Brooks" <billbrooks7 at yahoo.com>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:29 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability


> Joel,
>
> The problem is not with the rating of the modules. It is with the way we
> install them. The air gap is a problem. If HVAC systems were installed 
> like
> PV modules, they would have the same problem. There will be changes of 
> some
> sort coming in the next year or so. The IBC in 2012 will require "PV
> systems" to have a fire rating. Module fire rating may become irrelevant.
> Time will tell. This is in a very preliminary stage. All we know is that
> changes are likely with this new IBC language.
>
> There is a group working on this issue that includes several 
> representatives
> from the PV manufacturing and PV installing industries. If this is 
> something
> you want to put a lot of personal effort into, there are ways to 
> accommodate
> good input. The SolarABCs will be helping coordinate ongoing efforts.
>
> Bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel
> Davidson
> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 7:12 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability
>
> Wrenches,
>
> See http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/ and the report at
> http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/Flammability_Interimreport.pdf
>
> Is there any flammability difference between PV equipment on a roof and 
> HVAC
>
> or air handling equipment on a roof? My concern is whether PV is being
> singled out as a flammability concern while other more established
> industries with more powerful lobbyists are not.
>
> Joel Davidson
>
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