[RE-wrenches] Odd inspection procedure

[William Miller]

Friends:



We just finished a grid-tied project
<https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/Portfolio/Rework/BIG-SUR-SERVICE/Big_Sur_Service_Upgrade.html>
that included a pretty complicated service upgrade.  The project is in
Monterey County, California.  The site is pretty remote on the south end of
the Big Sur coastline and Highway 1 is closed (as is not uncommon) to the
north with a washout.  This makes it time consuming for an inspector to
reach the site, but even without the washout the travel time is measured in
hours.



Days in advance we scheduled the final inspection on the building
department web-site as is SOP and were awarded a slot for yesterday.
Yesterday morning an inspector called at 7:30 AM to announce they were too
busy to make the appointment.  Instead I was directed to take a series of
photographs to verify the validity of our installation work.  Below is the
list they provided.  Note how vague the requirements are, particularly the
fifth one.  I was told that this process will be standard operation
procedure for the County of Monterey in the near future for solar
installs.



This seems wrong to me.  I can’t believe that any collection of photographs
can accurately portray if even the most simple photovoltaic system, let
alone one with a 300 amp CT service and 400 amp transfer switch, is
installed correctly.  I know in the 1980s the solar water heating industry
had acquired a collective black-eye due to shoddy installation procedures
and I fear this is where the PV industry may be headed.



I submitted a handful of photos and was granted a final approval.  I have
very mixed feelings about this “success.”  I feel like I cheated on a
test.



I am curious if any of you have had a similar experience to this.  As
always I am informed and sometimes amused by what I learn on this forum.



List of requested photographs:



☐ PV module model number, quantity, and location according to the approved
plan.

☐ Roof penetrations flashed/sealed according to the approved plan.

☐ Array exposed cables are properly secured, supported, and routed to
prevent physical damage.

☐ Grounding/bonding of rack and modules according to the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

☐ Equipment installed, listed and labeled according to the approved plan
(e.g., PV   modules, dc/dc converters, combiners, inverters, rapid shutdown
equipment).

☐ Overcurrent devices are the type and size according to the approved
plan.

☐ Disconnects according to the approved plan and properly located as
required by the  NEC.

☐ PV system markings, labels and signs according to the approved plan.

☐ Connection of the PV system to the grounding electrode system according
to the approved plan.

☐ Access and working space for operation and maintenance of PV equipment
such as  inverters, disconnecting means and panelboards (not required for
PV modules) [NEC 110.26].

☐ The rapid shutdown system is installed and operational according to the
approved  plan [NEC 690.12].





William Miller



Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

www.millersolar.com

CA Lic. 773985
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