It seems to me that allowing an expensive array to be quickly and easily
removed from a roof is a Very Bad Thing- I'd guess that the customer's
insurance company would have an issue with this too. Will they also
require that heat pumps have wheels and flexible pipes, so that they can
be moved by firefighters for ladder access? Maybe talking with them
about the possibility of PV theft could change their mind.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/technology/24solar.html
I wonder if this requirement actually came from the fire department. The
3' buffer around the array (which I thought was standard for CA) makes a
lot of sense, but I don't see why any firefighters would be interested
in taking a 5kW, 1500 lbs array off a fiery roof while keeping it
intact. It's still a lot of work and I don't see any benefit in doing so.
So it's not just you- I think that a "quick release" array is a bad idea
anywhere where people know that PV is worth a lot of money. And, um,
that's everywhere.
DKC
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RE-wrenches] "Quick Release" PV System
From: Brian White <bri...@eagleroofing.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Date: 2009/7/29 14:18
"Quick Release" PV System
I just had a set of plans rejected by the City of Chula Vista, CA,
because the integrated Tile product that we use did not have a "Quick
Release" System for the array, so that the Fire Department could
remove the array in the event of a fire.
Has anyone ever heard of such a requirement? If so, how did you meet
this requirement, with any style of PV array (BIPV, Standard Modules,
peel & stick) and still achieve an 85 - 100 mph wind rating? Is it
just me, or is this city from a different planet.
This issue did not show up on the initial Plan Correction check list
from the city, but they are calling it out now when we re-submitted.
My electrician asked them to explain it to me over the phone, because
he did not think anyone would believe him when he asked for this
requirement. I have asked for a document or anything that defines
this requirement, and will share what I find out.
Brian C. White Sr. Design Engineer - PV Systems
Eagle Roofing Products 120 North Auburn Street - Suite 212 Grass
Valley, CA 95945 Phone: 530-273-2948 Cell: 530-575-5550
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