[RE-wrenches] Odd inspection procedure

[Benn Kilburn]

William, our city inspectors have moved a bit into this direction for some inspections... asking for specific photos fairly similar to the list you were given. 
While I feel that the inspection process on typical residential (and commercial of all sizes, for that matter) often, but not always, falls terribly short of adequate, in my opinion, I agree with you that the system you described warrants a closer, in person inspection.  I would think a follow-up phone call to ask questions would at least help a bit. Maybe if you have (Code) questions about what you did then you should request one?

Cheers,

Benn Kilburn
SkyFire Energy
780-906-7807

> On Mar 31, 2021, at 10:48 AM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com> wrote:
> 
> Friends:
>  
> We just finished a grid-tied project 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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