New IREC Guide for Solar Plan Reviewers, Code Inspectors, Installers

Savings Through Consistency for Residential PV Planning and
Inspections

LATHAM, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#besolarsmart–When an industry grows as fast as solar, and local jurisdictions across
the country have different plan review and inspection standards, sharing
national best practices and encouraging consistency can help make
timelines and expenses easier to anticipate. And when expectations are
the same at every stage – on the part of building plan reviewers,
inspectors and installers – expenses associated with inefficiencies or
delays are less likely to impact consumers.

Just released, new updated guidelines created by the independent
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) can help local jurisdictions
improve the solar plan review and field inspection process. The
checklists – which can be tailored for local and state code requirements
while meeting national best practices – can then be used by plan
reviewers, inspectors and installers.

Previously identified by code officials as a top five solar resource,
IREC’s expanded "Plan
Review and Inspection Guidelines: Model Inspection Checklists for
Rooftop PV" now includes solar specific code requirements updated to
the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) and the most current
international building, residential and fire codes, as well as
additional insight on safety and new technologies. It provides
guidelines for reviewing building permit plan applications and
inspecting most residential rooftop PV systems.

"Solar capacity has grown exponentially since the first model inspection
checklist was released in 2013, as has the number of code officials who
see solar in their communities," says IREC Workforce Director
Laure-Jeanne Davignon. "Best practices and guidance documents like these
are increasingly important to ensure consumer confidence and consistent
practices throughout the country.”

"Tools like IREC's Model Inspection Guidelines are invaluable to support
the work of building and electrical inspectors. By consulting this
comprehensive guide to an effective solar inspection, individual
inspectors and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) can tailor the
tool to fit their needs in the office and in the field,” says Pete
Jackson, chief electrical inspector for the town of Bakersfield, CA.

Solar installers can save time and resources by using an updated
inspection checklist, including to address concerns prior to inspection.
These guidelines can help educate and refresh about requirements for a
code-compliant installation.

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and the
International Code Council (ICC) contributed to the updating of this
document, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

About IREC www.irecusa.org

Contacts

Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Ruth Fein, 518-858-7329
[email protected]