Solar Panel Installations - Residential

Applicable Codes:
2021 International Solar Energy Provisions
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

1. A plan of the existing roof structure information (Rafters size, spacing, span, roofing materials, etc.) signed and sealed by a licensed Illinois design professional.
2. Written verification that the existing structure can properly accommodate all proposed imposed loads (signed and sealed by a licensed Illinois design professional). 
3. A plan showing the layout and installation specifics of the proposed solar array and associated equipment (including elevations and roof plan of the building, the mounting bracket specifications and wind ratings, required roof pathways, etc.).
4. Manufacturer installation specifications and requirements for the proposed array.

Significant Code Requirements

1. Smoke Alarms - Smoke alarms are required to be installed within each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area (in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms), and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. Smoke alarms are required to be 110V hardwired with battery backup (10-year battery-powered alarms are allowed where access is not available and no finish material is to be removed), and must be interconnected so that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms. Wireless interconnection of smoke detectors is allowed when listed wireless interconnection alarms are used and installed per manufacturer specifications.
2. Carbon Monoxide Alarms – The residence must have Carbon Monoxide Alarms installed per code. There must be an alarm installed outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The power source for the alarms can either be hardwired or a 10-year battery.
3. Arc Fault Protection - Arc-fault protection is required for photovoltaic systems with a maximum system voltage of 80 volts or greater. The system shall have an annunciator that provides a visual indication that the circuit interrupter has operated.
4. Access Pathways - Not fewer than two 36” wide pathways on separate roof planes, from the lowest roof edge to the ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, a pathway of not less than 36” wide shall be provided from the lowest roof edge to the ridge on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane, or straddling the same or adjacent roof planes.
5. Installation - The solar panels must be installed in compliance with the product listing, the manufacturer’s installation specifications, and all applicable provisions of the 2021 International Solar Energy Provisions.
6. Electrical Disconnect - The disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside the building or inside nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all solar photovoltaic installation projects. Additional inspections may be needed based on the scope of work for your project. If you are required to have additional inspections, they will be listed on your Plan Approval Notice, which will be attached to the approved plans.