Engineering override on county code officials for simple PV system?

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fastline

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Engineer
It seems our local code guys like to say "we won't allow that" but really never can offer any code reference, reason, or path forward. We are moving forward on a small solar project one way or another because there is nothing per any code that restricts this. However, I am reluctant to play our professional engineering card because they may see it as an arrogance play, nor do we wish to accept the liability, though minor.

Basically we are talking about 2 PV panels, 24V entering a structure, and some appropriate wiring and grounding. I think the reality is they don't want people doing off grid solar in the county so they find an excuse unless you pay a ridiculous cost. For instance, they have indicated they want all solar panel mounts to be "commercial" mounts because they don't want them to fly away..... No worries about the countless grills, trampolines, and other crap that can fly. And apparently no one else can make a quality mount.

I am just curious if you guys have ever experienced this type of standoff? Basically we are working with nothing different than your typical tractor electrical system.
 
I hate those type of officials. Maybe ask what the code violation is and/or what standard they follow so you can install compliantly? That said, just because something is "low voltage" it does not mean codes do not apply. We would need more specifics to tell whether it is compliant.
 
As a PE, your obligation is the best interests of your client. You don't even have to play the "PE card" at this point. Submit the plans (if required), let them reject them, then file an appeal with whatever entity is responsible for that. In NJ, that's usually a town council. That becomes very political, so the client should be sure they have that kind of support. The next step, filing a lawsuit, is really big and the client really needs to know what he's in for. Some people relish that kind of thing, so, who knows?
 
I can read this two completely different ways.
1. They just want to be difficult to work with. That can be a tough one.
2. They just want it to be done right (aka - safetly).

Regarding grills and trampolines, they aren't wired back to the electrical service, so I can see those as being different.

I've seen a lot of photos of solar panels being held down with cinder blocks, so I completely understand them wanting something better for mounting. They may say "commercial mounts only", but I'm guessing if you detailed a mounting bracket that looks professionally done, they would probably work with you to come up with something acceptable to both of you.

If you could get a structural person to throw in a few structural calcs, they would probably like that.
 
steve66 said:
I can read this two completely different ways.
1. They just want to be difficult to work with. That can be a tough one.
2. They just want it to be done right (aka - safetly).

Regarding grills and trampolines, they aren't wired back to the electrical service, so I can see those as being different.

I've seen a lot of photos of solar panels being held down with cinder blocks, so I completely understand them wanting something better for mounting. They may say "commercial mounts only", but I'm guessing if you detailed a mounting bracket that looks professionally done, they would probably work with you to come up with something acceptable to both of you.

If you could get a structural person to throw in a few structural calcs, they would probably like that.
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Actually, if the product if from anything resembling a reputable vendor, they should have commercial mounting brackets and all the structural stuff as standard items.
 
While I certainly understand safety and my job is to ensure just that, the electrical side is the only one that throws flags with zero code reference or reason.
We work with structure on the daily and if I tell them "it's good", that should be the end of it. But no, they want to question it. Basically what we have here is an off-grid 24V system entering a new tiny home. Our codes specifically follow NEC2020. No where in that code does it say "must connect to the grid", or even say what power and how much needs to enter a structure. They used to point to an IRC standard requiring certain size of 'conductors', but have since removed all electrical from their code and use NEC.

All I can say from the engineering side is an engineer should side with practicality and safety. Codes are written for a reason, towards an intended goal, but sometimes those two do not meet, but a safe project can still be achieved through alternate methods.

What I inclined to do is get them to go find specific codes they say is disallowing the project, and we will find an alternative path on those. IE, if the code is written that a home needs 100A 120/240V min, it is written because people usually have normal AC loads. This one does not and uses a DC water well pump. Consider this a tiny cabin in the woods.
 
electrofelon said:
They may have meant commercial to mean commercially manufactured, aka not home made.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Just commercially manufactured. However, this is no different than any other trade. Follow the code book and if you deviate, you will need "engineered plans"! Look at every steel building that goes up. They have engineered plans. We can provide engineered plans to assemble a rack per our own drawing. We should not be forced to engage commercial manufacturers when the end goal is simply to building something that will handle the weather in our location. Literally this is what we do!
 
Well, regarding "must connect to the grid", there is an entire article on solar power, and another one in the 2017 on Stand Alone Systems.

Maybe you can show them where the NEC specifically allows what you want to do.
 
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