Secure Permits & Plan Electrical/Structural Design — Permitting and Approvals
Part of project
Residential Solar Panel System · Step 2 of 7
In this video
The creator explains the importance of obtaining both a building permit and an electrical code permit. He details the process for the building permit, which was relatively simple by checking a custom "PV install" box on the application. For the electrical code permit, he submitted a complex 16-page application containing detailed site plans, single-line diagrams, safety labels, attachment plans, datasheets for modules, optimizers, and inverters, a mounting system datasheet, an engineering letter, and fire/grounding certifications. He mentions using an online program to generate these professional documents and resorted to hand-drawing a simplified electrical diagram when the program proved too complex for a specific component. He also highlights the need to research the National Electrical Code (NEC) for wire types, conduit fill, and grid tie-in methods. Additionally, a structural engineer's approval for the roof trusses was required, which he obtained through an online service. Finally, an interconnection application with the power company was necessary to allow connection to the grid and receive credit for excess energy.
Secure Permits & Plan Electrical/Structural Design — Permitting and Approvals
Part of project
Residential Solar Panel System · Step 2 of 7
In this video
The creator explains the importance of obtaining both a building permit and an electrical code permit. He details the process for the building permit, which was relatively simple by checking a custom "PV install" box on the application. For the electrical code permit, he submitted a complex 16-page application containing detailed site plans, single-line diagrams, safety labels, attachment plans, datasheets for modules, optimizers, and inverters, a mounting system datasheet, an engineering letter, and fire/grounding certifications. He mentions using an online program to generate these professional documents and resorted to hand-drawing a simplified electrical diagram when the program proved too complex for a specific component. He also highlights the need to research the National Electrical Code (NEC) for wire types, conduit fill, and grid tie-in methods. Additionally, a structural engineer's approval for the roof trusses was required, which he obtained through an online service. Finally, an interconnection application with the power company was necessary to allow connection to the grid and receive credit for excess energy.