PASADENA BUILDING DEPARTMENT SOLAR GUIDELINES
ƒ
Bring Reservation Letter provided by Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) to Permit Center
when applying for a permit to install a solar system. Make sure to bring the same drawings/plans
approved by PWP.
IMPORTANT NOTES
ƒ This document is intended only as a guide and is not exhaustive. Please refer to Article 690 in
the California Electrical Code, the State Fire Marshal Guidelines, PWP’s Regulations 21 & 23,
and the PSI Program Guidelines. All documents listed above are available to download and
review in the PWP website at www.PWPWeb.com/solar
ƒ General Building & Electrical Code requirements also apply.
ƒ PWP’s Reservation Letter is NOT an authorization to begin work.
ƒ Beginning installation prior to permit issuance will result in a $1,000 fine from the Building
Department.
ƒ Alteration of approved plans/drawings without properly notifying PWP might result in the
revocation of Building permit, fines, and additional inspections.
ƒ Solar Plans & application must be reviewed at windows 2, 3, 4 & 7.
- Window 2 will review plans and assess permit fee.
- Windows 3 & 4 will review for Zoning & Design.
- Window 7 (Fire Dept.) will review the plans and assess Fire Inspection fee.
ƒ Supplemental Electrical work such as upgrades to electrical service or sub-panel will require
separate electrical permits.
ƒ All appropriate permits are required at the site in order to start any work.
ƒ All new PSI applications submitted on or after July 2010 are required to install a
performance meter.
ƒ A Manual AC Disconnect with visible break switch contacts that are lockable in the open
position is required in all solar installations.
ƒ If Manual AC Disconnect cannot be installed within 8 feet from the utility meter, DO NOT
install Manual AC Disconnect. Contact PWP’s Utility Service Planning @ 626-744-4495 to
approve alternate location.
ƒ No consideration will be given for Manual AC Disconnect locations without getting approval
from PWP’s Utility Service Planning.
ƒ Systems must be installed in conformance with the manufacturers’ specifications and with all
applicable electrical and building codes and standards
ƒ Install all required Placards & Labels (refer to page 2).
ƒ Call to schedule appropriate inspections. Since the Fire Dept. usually has the longest lead time, it
may be more convenient to schedule the Fire Dept first and schedule the Building inspection to
coordinate with the Fire Department inspection.
ƒ Manual AC Disconnect should remain in the OFF position after Final Building inspection.
ƒ PWP’s Solar Division will inspect and verify solar system was installed as designed and
specified in the original application submitted and approved by PWP.
ƒ PWP will replace utility meter with a solar meter capable of spinning in both directions AFTER
solar system has been signed off by Building Inspector and PWP Solar Division, AND all the
required documents have been received by PWP.
ƒ System is NOT allowed to operate until written authorization is provided by Pasadena
Water & Power.
ƒ Operating solar system without the proper solar meter will cause billing errors to customer.
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PWP (09-2010)
REQUIRED SIGNAGE FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS
On DC Disconnect
On Inverter - Lettering
and values given must be
permanent (Embossed or
Engraved)
On Service panel
CAUTION: SOLAR CIRCUIT
On DC conduit
CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONNECTED
On Main Service Disconnect
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PWP (09-2010)
*** BUILDING INSPECTION SOLAR CHECKLIST ***
Approved Plans & Building Permit Inspection Folder (Yellow Folder) must be on site.
Power up system upon arrival by closing all disconnects
EQUIPMENT - Check Panel arrays and Inverters against plans
9 Check Orientation & approximate pitch per plan.
9 Check number of panels per plan
9 Modules & Inverter: Check Manufacturer & model #
9 Check “Grid Interactive” label on inverter.
FRAMING - Check mounting system
9 Rack system same as on plans?
9 Panel to rack connection per plans?
9 Roof flashing satisfactory or per plan if specified
STEEL BONDING
9 Panels & racking system all electrically bonded together and grounded?
ROUGH ELECTRICAL - Conductors & Conduits
9 Conductors from panels must be bundled and secured to framework in a workmanlike
manner within the array and be carried in EMT conduit from the array to the DC disconnect.
9 Conduit secured per CEC (Every 10’ and w/in 12” of boxes)
EQUIPMENT LOCATION
9 Inverter & DC disconnect location per plot plan
9 Is the Lockable Manual AC Disconnect within 8 feet from Point of Connection? If not, has PWP
Utility Service Planner spotted and approved location?
9 Are panel located on the roof per plans & Fire Dept guidelines (setbacks from ridge, valleys &
sides)?
FINAL ELECTRICAL
9 Inverter Test - Turn power OFF & OFF to the inverter with AC Manual Disconnect to verify
system will shut down and a power delay exists during start up.
9 4 Placards per Cal. Elec. Code, Article 690 Red with White Lettering (refer to Guidelines)
AC Disconnect
DC Disconnect
690.53 PV Power Source on inverter
Shock Hazard Warning on existing service
9 DC conduit marked every 10’ and all bends, penetrations and boxes (refer to Guidelines)
9 Label solar connection breaker in the Electrical Service Panel.
9 Turn solar system OFF by opening the AC Manual Disconnect after Final Inspection.
FINAL BUILDING
9 Check to see if Supplemental Electrical permit is required, (New Service, Subpanel)
9 If all requirements have been met, Close Permits.
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PWP (09-2010)