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Home My WebLink AboutPermitting a Residential PV System 060917GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM This guideline is to assist applicants in the permit process for photovoltaic (PV) systems. To determine a property's flood zone designation, complete the form httD:Hrecords.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/Browse.aSDX?dbid=l&startid=58075 and email the completed form to dpwen hawaiicounty.gov To obtain an unofficial estimate of the property's flood zone designation, click on the Flood Hazard Assessment Tool at htlp:Hgis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat/ OP Department of Public Works, Building Division 7:45 AM to 4:30 weekdays. Closed First Friday, weekends, and holidays. http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/public-works-building Email: cohbuild@hawaiicounty.gov County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. EAST HAWAI`L• Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720 PHONE NUMBER: (808) 961-8331: FAX NUMBER: (808) 961-8410 WEST HAWAII: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E, 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 PHONE NUMBER: (808) 323-4720 FAX NUMBER: (808) 327-3509 Revised 10.10.12 GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM STRUCTURAL EVALUATION The structural evaluation worksheet is to be completed by the applicant and attached to the drawings. Steps 1 and 2 of the evaluation worksheet is inserted with this booklet. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS A) Building 1) A location site plan showing the location of major structures on the property 1" = 20' or larger is preferred. 2) A roof plan (scale 1"=8') with PV arrays on dwellings with a 3' clear space along the roof ridge. a) Show array supports, framing members. b) Provide information on roof mounting structure(s) construction. c) Detail the module attachment method. Fasteners must not occur in roof framing beyond the exterior wall line without engineered calculations B) Electrical (See Exhibits A -C). 1) Location plan showing structures and their vicinity 1" = 20' or larger is preferred. 2) Provide information on roof mounting systems. 3) A standard electrical diagram showing PV array configuration, wiring system, over current protection, inverter, disconnects, required markings or labels and AC connection to the building. 4) Provide specification sheets, and installation manuals for all manufactured components including, but not limited to PV modules, inverters, combiner box, and mounting system. These will be returned after the review. 5) The electrical diagram (El.l) maybe used to accurately represent the PV system. FEES Calculate the fees for all the work to be performed on the electrical permit application and building permit worksheet. On the building permit worksheet, complete the "Estimated Valuation for all work to be performed." Hawaii County Code, Chapter 9, Electricity Permit Division 2. Fees and Charges Section 9-40. Fee schedule. (q) Generators, Capacitors, Reactors, Transformers Fixed, and all other alternate energy power sources. For the purpose of this subsection, 1 kw is equivalent to 1 kva. Notmore than 5 kw................................................................................................................ $10 Over 5 kw but not over 15 kw................................................................................................ $24 Over15kw.............................................................................................................................. $40 GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM Hawaii County Code, Chapter 5, Building Permit Section 5-35. Table 1-A. TABLE 1-A— BUILDING PERMIT FEES Fees shall be as follows: $0 to $500 $10.00 $501 to $2,000 $10.00 for the first $500 plus $1.50 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and includin $2,000 $2,001 to $25,000 $32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $7.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000. $25,001 to $50,000 $205.00 for the first $25,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000. $50,001 and up $355.00 for the first $50,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. If a value is not provided the determination shall be made by the Building Official.' DOCUMENTATION A) Include two sets of drawings of site plans stamped by an electrical engineer in accordance with HRS section 444, and product submittals as required. B) Complete the building permit worksheet, and electrical permit application. C) Submit a check payable to the County Director of Finance for the required fees. Hawaii County Code, Chapter 9, Electricity, Section 9-33. Plans and specifications requirements; deviations. "(b) All photovoltaic systems for residential and non-residential installations shall require a building permit. Electrical design drawings and specifications shall bear the approval of an electrical engineer registered in the State of Hawaii. (c) No person shall materially deviate from any reviewed plan or specifications or fail, neglect or refuse to comply herewith, unless permission to do so has first been obtained from the electrical engineer on record. Revised drawings and or a letter approving such deviations shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review." 1 Hawaii County Code, Chapter 5, Sec 5-31 2 Underthe Hawaii Revised Statutes section 444 permits are issued to Hawaii State licensed building, electrical, or photovoltaic contractors. GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM SPAN TABLES3: A framing plan is required only if the combined weight of the PV array exceed 5 pounds per square foot (PSF or lbs/ ft2) or, the existing rafters are over -spanned. The following may help determine if the rafters are over -spanned. Use this table for rafter spans that have conventional lightweight dead loads. If there is a roof system that doesn't fall within these tables consider obtaining the advice of a State of Hawaii registered professional Architect or Structural Engineer. Use this table for rafter spans with a ceiling attached, and conventional light dead loads 10 PSF Dead Load Roof live load= 20 psf, ceiling not attached to rafters, L/A= 180 Rafter Size 2 x 4 2 x 6 2 x 8 2x10 2x12 Spacing The measurements below are in feet -inches Species Grade (inches) (e.g. 9-10=9 feet, 10 inches) Douglas 42 or 16 Fir -larch better 9-10 14-4 18-2 22-3 25-9 Douglas 42 or 24 Fir -larch better 8-0 11-9 14-10 18-2 21-0 Use this table for rafter spans with a ceiling attached, and conventional light dead loads If the roof system has: a. Over -spanned rafters or trusses, b. The array is over 5 lbs/ft2 on any roof construction, or c. The attachments with a dead load exceeds 45 lbs per attachment; It is required that you provide one of the following: L A framing plan showing details how you will strengthen the rafters using the supplied span tables. 3 The Span Tables and Exhibits A -C were printed with permission from the Solar America Board of Codes & Standards. 10 PSF Dead Load Roof live load= 20 psf, ceiling not attached to rafters, L/A= 240 Rafter Size 2 x 4 2 x 6 2 x 8 2x10 2x12 Spacing The measurements below are in feet -inches Species Grade (inches) (e.g. 9-10=9 feet, 10 inches) Douglas 42 or 16 Fir -larch better 8-11 14-1 18-2 22-3 25-9 Douglas 42 or 24 Fir -larch better 7-10 11-9 14-10 18-2 21-0 If the roof system has: a. Over -spanned rafters or trusses, b. The array is over 5 lbs/ft2 on any roof construction, or c. The attachments with a dead load exceeds 45 lbs per attachment; It is required that you provide one of the following: L A framing plan showing details how you will strengthen the rafters using the supplied span tables. 3 The Span Tables and Exhibits A -C were printed with permission from the Solar America Board of Codes & Standards. GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM SAMPLE ONLY DO NOT SUBMIT WITH PLANS EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PV SYSTEMS Exhibit A aCL a (,o ,ry w � � w ry tib N R _ U) cc eM rr / r � Po94%N � 1 w Grp � 07 i ff f WI�MMMKKpXMpXIIW � .. 4` ti �r F o W w a a. z V w a Lb 0 d Lo z 2 z a U EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PV SYSTEMS Exhibit A GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM SAMPLE ONLY DO NOT SUBMIT WITH PLANS (Kz p:a zg j dz0 CL0w <sz0 m O 7 - QP LuW¢ Lu W LL W z f z Lu D z }a Q 4 O z Z U9 u4 w z zz 0 CYLIJ zz D q <.7 z a L ❑ ❑ ¢ ❑ ,,,,, z a w L) D Q ❑ ❑ ❑ zz ❑m v w v 0of 0 aw n ��z s`iw w - U m ------ ... .... .m. a I ter., EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PV SYSTEMS Exhibit B GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM SAMPLE ONLY DO NOT SUBMIT WITH PLANS EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PV SYSTEMS Exhibit C .a w X 9 ; a>> W d Y m Z p d w CC ^ C7 b Vj � 0 - p' > z U U U7 Cly Ll ^ '� �: yam_ "'a W �' U i'] w (1) o rZr� N_ ien ¢ d F- Z 2 z z o z c~i U) z X .... ------- L ......... cc� t, c� uj P zo 0 p [ w Z cw7 X- w w t- Ct wLL c�nC7 U '✓' F w ca C� h- Cra o ce F- cr. 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LL {J �f J 4 .'X=inW X N J d f- 2 6 ,, d- d u d uj .wJ p 0 01 v w a CL z 0 w n O. w > F- w W W owd J_�1 w r... SZF- �vaa:"'c> Sw. i0 L,.._. Sw p 0 {� X X i w U X d d CL 2 d X d X. U < 0 d s- 0 X o7 rw U u5 ...,.ice T7 LLdY w°-. m =y �- C42 NST UJi ST �LL �w EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PV SYSTEMS Exhibit C GUIDELINES FOR PERMITTING A RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM N or BUILDING DIVISION DPW COLIINTY OF HAWAII — 101 Pauahii Street, Suite 7 — Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 - - a Office (808) 323-4720 Fax (808) 323-3509 Hillo Office (808) 961-8331 - Fax (808) 961-8410 Kon, Bulletin No PV 2012-01 Date:: August 24, 20,12 Codel Edition- Hawaii County Code Chapter 9 and the 2005 National Electrical Code (N EC) Subject: Photovoltaic (PV) energy systemis The following clariifiicatiionis are the result of diSCUSSIOns at the public PV workshops conducted on August A and 15, 20,12, by the Department of Public Works A. PV -GENERAL Inspection Building and electrical inspections may be requested in any ordler following instaIllation of panels on roof. B. PV- ROOF MOUNTED Inspection Building Division has decided to provide ladders to inspectors. In the initerimi, contractors please continue to 1providle ladders and fall protection at the tirne of inspection - I Plan Review andl Approval Per the rnanufaCtUrers' literatUre and ICC Evaluation Reports for Iron Ridgie Mounting Systems and mounting attachments: Unirac andl Solar Mlount systerns are approved for use and may be installed to a maximum height of 30' iin Wind Zones A., B, or C and Seismic Zones A, B,, C, or D and do not require a ficeinsed Hawaii'i state architect or Structural engineer review andl approval (a professional stamp). Such appliicationis within Wind EXPOSUre D (114 mile of the ocean) and/or Seismic Zones E or F require a licensed Hawai'ii state architect or structural enigiineer review and approval. Thank YOU again for youir partiiciipatiioni. Please email or call me with, questions or comments. Neill Erickson Plans Examining Manager nericksoiii(u)co.Iliawaiii.11lli. LIS Issued by: David Yarnarnoto, IEluiildling Division Chief The County of Hawai"i is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Date: Code/ Edition: Subject: Gx,nty of Hand ` i DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 - Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4224 (808) 961-8321 - Fax (808) 961-8630 www.co.hawaii.hi.us June 8, 2017 2008 National Electric Code (NEC) PV Electrical Review Frank DeMarco Director Allan Simeon Deputy Director The following is a list of design requirements that are most easily overlooked in the design phase. A) Ambient Conditions 1) Module Open Circuit Voltage —NEC 690.7 i) The open circuit voltage listed on the manufacturer's specification sheet is only valid for the standard test conditions. When the temperature decreases, the module voltage increases, this increase poses the greatest issue with maximum string lengths, and maximum voltage input on the inverter. As the temperature increases, the module voltage decreases, and may not create a high enough voltage to turn on the inverter. 2) Rooftop conductor de -rate — NEC Table 310.15(B)(2)(c) i) Depending on the conduit height above the roof, the conductors will be subject to a de -rate. 3) Conduit Expansion — NEC Table 352.44 i) PVC conduit subject to a change in temperature will expand and contract as the temperature changes. B) Warning Labels 1) Labels and Marking - NEC 690.5(C) WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED NORMALLY GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY BE UNGROUNDED AND ENERGIZED 2) Bipolar Source and Output Circuits — NEC 690.7(E) County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. WARNING BIPOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY. DISCONNECTION OF NEUTRAL OR GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY RESULT IN OVERVOLTAGE ON ARRAY OR INVERTER. 3) Single 120 -Volt Supply —NEC 690.10(C) WARNING SINGLE 120 -VOLT SUPPLY. DO NOT CONNECT MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS! 4) Switch or Circuit Breaker— NEC 690.17 WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS. TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. 5) Ungrounded Photovoltaic Power Systems — NEC 690.35(F) WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. THE DC CONDUCTORS OF THIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM ARE UNGROUNDED AND MAY BE ENERGIZED. 6) Modules — NEC 690.51 i) Modules shall be marked with identification of terminals or leads as to polarity, maximum overcurrent device rating for module protection, and with the following ratings: (1) Open -circuit voltage (2) Operating voltage (3) Maximum permissible system voltage (4) Operating current (5) Short-circuit current (6) Maximum power 7) Alternating -Current Photovoltaic Modules — NEC 690.52 i) Alternating -current modules shall be marked with identification of terminals or leads and with identification of the following ratings: (1) Nominal operating ac voltage (2) Nominal operating frequency (3) Maximum ac power (4) Maximum ac current (5) Maximum overcurrent device rating for ac module protection 8) Direct Current Photovoltaic Power Source — NEC 690.53 i) A permanent label for the direct-current photovoltaic power source indicating items (1) through (5) shall be provided by the installer at the photovoltaic disconnecting means: (1) Rated maximum power -point current County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. (2) Rated maximum power -point voltage (3) Maximum system voltage (4) Short-circuit current (5) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller (if installed) 9) Interactive System Point of Interconnection. All interactive system(s) points of interconnection with other sources shall be marked at an accessible location at the disconnecting means as a power source and with the rated ac output current and the nominal operating voltage. — NEC 690.54 10) Photovoltaic Power Systems Employing Energy Storage. Photovoltaic power systems employing energy storage shall also be marked with the maximum operating voltage, including any equalization voltage and the polarity of the grounded circuit conductor. — NEC 690.55 11) Identification of Power Sources — NEC 690.56 i) Facilities with Stand -Alone Systems — NEC 690.56(A). Any structure or building with a photovoltaic power system that is not connected to a utility service source and is a stand-alone systems shall have a permanent plaque or directory installed on the exterior of the building or structure at a readily visible location of the building or structure at a readily visible location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The plaque or directory shall indicate the location of system disconnecting means and that the structure contains a stand-alone electrical power system. ii) Facilities with Utility Services and PV Systems — NEC 690.56(B). Buildings or structures with both utility service and a photovoltaic system shall have a permanent plaque or directory providing the location of the service disconnecting means and the photovoltaic system disconnecting means if not located at the same location. 12) Inverter Output Connection — NEC 690.64(7) WARNING INVERTER OUTPUT CONNECTION DO NOT RELOCATE THIS OVERCURRENT DEVICE C) Backfed Circuit Breakers 1) Suitable for backfeed. Circuit breakers, if backfed, shall be suitable for such operation. — NEC 690-64(B)(5) D) Equipment Locations 1) The location of all PV equipment shall be located in plan view, any roof mounted equipment shall be indicated as such. E) Equipment Specification Sheets 1) Provide all PV equipment specification sheets for verification of calculations. Brandon Pearsall Electrical Engineer, PE brandon.pearsallp_hawaiicounty.gov Issued by: David Yamamoto, Building Division Chief County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.