Vehicle Protection of Solar Equip Inside Garage

[TrickleCharge]

For a standard residential 2 car garage with a 24in side wing (where the solar equipment is installed)….would this require protection from the vehicle by means of a bollard being installed or the equipment being raised higher than "XX" inches? My thought is that since it is not in the straight direct path of the vehicle and off to the side, then no. Anyone else requiring bollards inside the garage?

Thanks

 

[jaggedben]

I believe this is entirely up to the AHJ to determine what is 'subject to physical damage' and what is 'protected from physical damage.' With that said, I have installed a lot of inverters on garage walls and never been asked for a bollard. Then again, I struggle to think of any cases where they were installed below 36 inches. I have also heard that dimension bandied about but I don't know where it comes from.

In general that sort of equipment doesn't present any particular danger compared to other equipment and wiring, in my opinion.

 

[TrickleCharge]

Thanks Jaggedben. They have powerwalls that are 6in from the floor. I guess if the person came in at an angle they could hit it, but then again they could hit the house, or anything for that matter.

 

[jaggedben]

Well, energy storage will probably be treated more stringently than solar equipment. Those are really not the same thing. I've yet to be asked for a bollard for energy storage but I've done far fewer such installations.