[RE-wrenches] Odd inspection procedure

[Ray]

I think the real point is:  even with on site inspections they often 
don't know what they are looking at, and do not have time or manpower to 
keep up with the latest in solar industry practices. I've seen just 
horrible stuff that passed inspection, including a battery cabinet 
completely blocked by another piece of equipment.

With busy construction schedules, many inspectors have to trust that an 
installer that has been in business for a really long time like you have 
been William, knows what they are doing, and can be trusted to a certain 
extent.  I've gotten to a point with repeat inspectors that really don't 
open every box, and look at everything.  They trust us.

Further, when I take on a repair or replacement project, we often think 
we've checked everything, only to find some grossly negligent connection 
or wiring scheme that we just didn't catch at first, because it was so 
out of the ordinary.  How about a #4 ground wire that looks properly 
attached at the electrode and back at the main AC panel, but turned out 
to be not connected in the wall.....in a J box that had been plastered over.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 3/31/21 12:48 PM, William Miller wrote:
>
> 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 <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
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