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Solar Done Right is leading the movement to advance the quality and safety of solar design and installations by having every set of solar plans reviewed using the Solar Done Right Best Practices Checklist.

Top 5 Reasons to Reject Solar Plans

1

Missing PE Stamp

The state of Florida now requires a PE Stamp, or an FSEC certification per FS 377.705(d).

Florida Statute 377.705(d)

Effective July 1, 2017, All solar energy systems manufactured or sold in the state must meet the standards established by the FSEC and shall display accepted results of approved performance tests in a manner prescribed by the FSEC, unless otherwise certified by an engineer licensed pursuant to Chapter 471 using the standards contained in the most recent version of the Florida Building code.

2

Not Site Specific Plans

There is nothing generic about a PV system. The FBC requires that the project be site specific, and the calculations be performed for that. The site-specific components include, wind speed, exposure category and risk category. They will also include module pressures and attachment spans. These cannot be generically assumed.

Due to the following code requirements, solar plans must be site-specific.

Calculations Based On:

  • Wind Speed (FBC R324.4.1, R301.2.1, TABLE R301.2.1.3)
  • Exposure Category (FBC R301.2.1.4.3)
  • Risk Category (FBC R301.2.1.4)
  • Module Exposure (FBC R324.4.1.2, ASCE 7-16 Chapter 29, Figure 29.4-7)
  • Roof Type and Roof Zones (FBC R301.2, Per ASCE 7-16, Chapter 30)

Limiting Factors

  • PV Module Strength (Rear loading pressure strength)
  • Attachment Strength
  • Rail Span
3

Incorrect Wind Zones

With the adoption of FBC 2020, there came a change in the number of wind zones on the roof of a residential structure. The number of roof zones changed from 3 (Zones 1, 2 and 3) to 7 (1, 1’ , 2e, 2r, 2n, 3e and 3r). The new wind zones also bought a change to the way the roof zones are set on a flat roof. The pressures per roof zone also increased with respect to wind speed.

FBC R301.2, ASCE 7-16: Chapter 30

Flat Roof (0-7 degrees of slope)

Gable Roof (7-45 degrees of slope)

Hip Roof (7-45 degrees of slope)

4

Missing Module Exposure Identification

This is the biggest change to come out of the code change. This differentiates the pressures experienced by the PV module based on its location in the array. The modules will now be separated into Edge, Exposed and Non-Exposed modules. Modules that are too close to the edge of the roof will be termed Edge modules. Modules that are more than a certain distance away from the edge of the roof will be termed exposed, and the rest will be non-exposed.

New addition to ASCE 7-16

  • Result of Wind Tunnel Testing
  • Contingent on the following factors
    • Height of the building (h)
    • Clearance between mean roof surface and top of the module (h2)
  • For a module to be exposed
    • Free edge of the module to be at a distance greater than 0.5h
    • Free edge of the module to be at a distance greater than 4 ft of another array or module
  • For a module to be an edge module
    • If a module is within the 2(h2) boundary of the roof surface
5

Incorrect Attachment Spans and Loading

The spans between attachment are determined by the loading on the attachments. The loading on the attachments should not be greater than the maximum allowable strength of the attachments. This will limit the span of the rails between the attachments.

WARNING: SPAN TABLES TO BE USED AS A GUIDE FOR THE CAPABILITY OF THE RAIL, NOT THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY

  • Attachment spans can vary based on
    • On-site conditions
      • Wind speed, exposure, roof slope, roof type
    • Attachment type
      • Clamp, penetrative, sheathing only
    • Number of anchors
    • Depth of penetration
  • Items to Look For
    • Attachment Strength to be listed on the plans
    • Attachment spacing should be below the limits listed on the span tables
    • Loading on the attachments should be less than the attachment strength

Plans Examiner’s Resources

Structural Checklist

Electrical Checklist

Fire Checklist

Top 10 Takeaways from Code Changes

Upcoming Events

WEBINAR – Solar Structural Rooftop Governing Codes Seminar – (2 Hrs.)

October 26

Receive CE credit at this BOAF Webinar Featuring Rick Castillo discussing the codes governing solar within the Florida Building Code

WEBINAR – Top 10 Residential Solar Governing Codes Seminar – (1 Hr.)

November 3

The Florida Building Code 2020 and National Electric Code 2017 has changed the design requirements for solar rooftop installations. Receive CE credit at this BOAF Webinar Featuring Rick Castillo discussing the top 10 changes and their impacts.

WEBINAR – Solar Structural Rooftop Governing Codes Seminar – (2 Hrs.)

December 7

Receive CE credit at this BOAF Webinar Featuring Rick Castillo discussing the codes governing solar within the Florida Building Code

WEBINAR – Top 10 Residential Solar Governing Codes Seminar – (1 Hr.)

December 14

Receive CE credit at this BOAF Webinar Featuring Rick Castillo discussing the top 10 changes and their impacts.

Click Here to Schedule a FREE CE Course For Your Team

Solar Energy Best Practices

  • All Solar Plans are Site Specific.
  • All Solar Plans receive a Structural PE Stamp
  • All Solar Plans receive an Electrical PE Stamp (or FSEC Certification)
  • All Solar Plans adhere to FBC 2020 and NEC 2017
  • All Solar Plans call-out Exposed, Non-exposed and Edge PV Panels
  • Design Pressures do not exceed allowable PV Panel pressures
  • All structural attachments receive a Florida Product Approval
  • All structural attachments installed in High Velocity Hurricane Zones receive a Miami-Dade Notice of Approval (NOA)
  • All Building Departments require Fire Access and Pathways
  • All Solar Plans are reviewed using and compliant with the Structural, Fire, and Electrical Checklist.