[RE-wrenches] Access pathways

[Rebecca Lundberg]

Dear Solar Colleagues,

I know the building code language regarding PV installations providing 3'
access pathways was proposed and adopted in several states a few years ago.

"*3113.1.2.1 Residential buildings with hip roof layouts.* Panels or
modules installed on residential buildings with hip roof layouts shall be
located in a manner that provides a 3-foot-wide (914 mm) clear access
pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels/modules
are located. The access pathway shall be located at a location on the
building capable of supporting the live load of firefighters accessing the
roof." (this is just a partial quote from here
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=1305.3113)

This is a newly adopted code addition in MN, and there was absolutely no
discussion with the solar industry. In MN we install solar on the
south-facing roof as optimal, with perhaps the SE, SW, or even the east- or
west-facing roof as possible options, but we almost without exception NEVER
would mount solar panels on any roof with an azimuth 270 - 90 degrees (i.e.
north of west or north of east). The requirement to leave a 3' walkway on
all surfaces will in many cases diminish the amount of available roof
surface for a residential solar PV installation to about 40% of previous
designs.

I see how this safety requirement may be necessary in a state where
mounting solar panels on all roof surfaces is an option, but in MN since we
can really only mount on the south-facing roof I don't understand how
safety for fire fighters is a primary concern with this code addition. My
understanding is that if there is another roof surface available, fire
fighters would not choose to vent a roof with solar panels even if a 3'
walkway is available -- so for what purpose are we avoiding that roof space
for a solar installation?

Our local folks at the state level either don't understand these details or
feel that there must be an overriding reason that this building code
language has been adopted in other states. Can any of you give me input,
comments, thoughts on this topic that I could contribute here on a local
level?

Thank you in advance for your comments.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Lundberg
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ®
*Powerfully Green*®
763.438.1976

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