Solar Plans, Permitting

A solar plan is required by most building permit departments and/or utilities prior to installation. The authority having jurisdiction will ensure a proper installation is done according to building and electrical Code. The utility will require a plan prior to approving the system for net-metering.

There are three parts to a solar installation that are the hardest. The first is the planning, permitting, and building permits for your locality along with an HOA approval requirements.

The second is actually building any structures needed or the solar installation whether ground mounted, pole mounted, pergola, or carport.  Solar on a roof is actually the easiest build option and the reason so many solar installers will only deal with roofs.

These systems generally require a structural engineer to assess the design and to put their stamp on it saying that they approve.  This is so that they will meet any local conditions that can likely be encountered including snow, rain, and wind loads, which will all vary depending on the locality. So for example, a carport in Arizona may be required to be able to withstand winds of 115 mph or more, but a minimal snow load, where as a structure in Colorado may be the reverse with a high snow load and lower wind requirements.

The third part of the installation is actually getting the utility to "turn on" the system, meaning that it can connect to the grid. This process itself can take months at a time.

Site Planning

Another key piece is the site plan, discussed in greater detail below, but for now suffice it to say that it is a picture of the site, draw to scale.

Minimum PV Plans Checklist

Below is a checklist of commom items required for most PV solar permit plans. The plans are typcially printed on 11x17 or 18x24 inch paper. Some jurisdictions may require a state-licensed engineer (PE, EE or SE) to review and stamp the plan strcutural or electrical pages.

• Basic site plan provided showing property lines, easements, locations of structures and equipment.

• Layout of array configuration and placement of equipment and modules with dimensioned access and pathways (roof mount) or vegetative clearance (ground mount)

• Electrical single line drawing including:

  • Size and location of main electrical panel and sub panels

  • Equipment grounding

  • Combiner/junction box location

  • AC / DC disconnect box

  • Conduit size from the array to the power source

  • Inverter string sizing or micro inverter branch circuit details

  • Conductor wiring methods and insulation rating, system and solar panel grounding methods per inverter and solar panel manufacturer’s listings, and PV system DC and AC disconnects

  • Listing information, including mounting, wire type, method of grounding, of PV modules and mounting racks

• Marking and signage (on panel(s), disconnects and transmission line conductors)

• Provide cut sheets for all PV equipment and mounting systems including, but not limited to:

  • PV modules

  • Rack mounting system

  • Mounting brackets

  • Grounding hardware

  • Inverters or micro inverters

  • Panel and rack attachment details

• Equipment type, listing, testing agency approvals

• Plans must show compliance with Building, Electrical and Fire Code

• Permanent labels and signage with a red background and white lettering resistant to fading pursuant to UL 969 and National Electrical Code Article 690 and permanently affixed

• Elevation view showing maximum height of PV installation above ground (ground mount only) or roof place with strcutural cross-section identifying adequate roof support

SOLAR & WIND SYSTEMS

https://www.pima.gov/1069/solar-wind-systems?contentid=1a5b46d5-b801-4756-955d-66f1a0f8d4eb

Administrative Review Submittal Requirements

Note: Bolded items are required for Administrative Completeness determination when applicable to project.

• Alert!! Depending on project scope, your application may require prior approval from Regional Flood Control District (RFCD).

• Subject to RFCD approval noted above, solar permits for residential and commercial scale projects (not utility scale projects) have a review turn around time of 1 day per the Electric reconnect review time published at Review turn-around times.

General Requirements

• List applicable codes on cover sheet.

• PDF file of Site Plan (Drawn to scale)

• For site plan information requirements see our posted example (PDF)

  • Size be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches minimum. Drawing scale: 1:10 to 1:50 acceptable.

  • Show location of all system components on roof or ground. (Panel layout, number of strings, location of tank for hot water systems)

• For ground mounted systems:

  • Provide panel array dimensions: outside dimensions, total area covered, highest point above grade.

  • Provide the dimensions from the property lines to the proposed system and existing structures; show set backs.

  • Foundation must be engineered to support the weight of the system and to resist the wind uplift.

• Provide a PDF file of cut sheets with UL or other approved listing for all system equipment.

• Solar Collector roof loading data and mounting system with fastener sizes and calculations for dead load and wind uplift.
  (See Structural Requirements)

Photovoltaic Systems

• One Line Diagram with conductor and conduit sizes and types.

• Method of connection to service: back-fed breaker, or line side tap

• Conductor size and over-current protection calculations.

• Roof conductor calculations are to be based on an ambient temperature of 71°- 80° C (159°- 176° F) using the adjustment factor.58.

• Non-roof conductor calculations are to be based on 41°- 45° C (105°- 113° F) using the adjustment factor of.87 (Per NEC 310.15 (B) (2) (c))

• 3 Line Diagram with grounding sizing and connections.

• Use the Pima County developed PV Calculators:

  • PV calculator-standard inverter (PDF)

  • PV calculator-micro inverter (PDF)

Solar Hot Water Systems

• Solar Hot Water Schematic, including temperature relief valve

• Backup Power at storage tank:

  • Electrical: one line diagram with conductor and conduit sizing and over-current protection sizing

  • Gas: Isometric of gas piping showing loads, new piping, existing piping and all sizing

Wind Energy Systems

• Include electrical diagrams per Photovoltaic Systems requirements above.

• Meet the underlying zoning requirements

• One tower system per residential lot.

• Towers require structural engineering or listing demonstrating integrity for wind and seismic loads.

Structural Requirements

• Structural engineering calculations may be waived if you use the Pima County Standard Operating Procedure 220.2 Equipment installation on existing roofs (PDF)

• An IRC PV roof uplift calculator (XLS) is also available on our website.

Pima County Zoning Code 18.07.030 (P)

Ancillary Scale Renewable Energy System regulates residential solar and wind systems.

18.07.030 Land Use Regulations.

P. Ancillary Scale Renewable Energy System.

1. Purpose: a. To encourage energy self-sufficiency on an individual scale through the use of ancillary scale renewable energy systems; b. To minimize to the extent possible adverse visual effects and any possible audio effects of renewable energy systems through appropriate development standards; c. To provide clear regulations for the use of ancillary scale renewable energy systems.

2. Applicability: Primarily intended for on-site use only to off-set part or all of a property owner's or occupant's electrical requirements; selling excess energy produced is incidental to the primary use. Ancillary scale renewable energy systems are considered accessory uses to be allowed in all zones subject to the following development standards.

3. Development Standards- Ancillary Scale Solar Energy Systems:

   1. Minimum site area: In accordance with the underlying zone.

   2. Setbacks:

      1. Ground-mounted solar energy systems six feet in height or less:

         1. Front: In accordance with the minimum front yard requirements for a Main Structure or Building of the underlying zone.

         2. Side: In accordance with the minimum side yard requirements for an Accessory Structure or Building of the underlying zone.

         3. Rear: In accordance with the minimum rear yard requirements for an Accessory Structure or Building of the underlying zone.

      2. Ground-mounted solar energy systems greater than six feet in height:

         1. Front: In accordance with the minimum front yard requirements for a Main Structure or Building of the underlying zone.

         2. Side: In accordance with the minimum side yard requirements for a Main Structure or Building of the underlying zone plus two feet.

         3. Rear: In accordance with the minimum rear yard requirements for a Main Structure or Building of the underlying zone.

      3. Roof-mounted solar energy panels: In accordance with the minimum yard requirements for the applicable structure (Main or Accessory) to which the panel is attached.

      4. Solar energy panels co-located on existing utility poles: In accordance with the underlying requirements for the existing pole.

   3. Height: [Reference Figure 18.07-1]

      1. Ground-mounted solar energy systems: Maximum 10 feet, with the following exception that systems up to 16 feet shall be allowed in the IR (Institutional Reserve), RH (Rural Homestead), GR-1 (Rural Residential), SR (Suburban Ranch), and SR-2 (Suburban Ranch Estate) zones and all commercial and industrial zones.

      2. Roof-mounted solar energy panels:

         1. Parapet or flat roof: The highest point of the solar device structure shall be no more than eight feet above the top of the parapet or roof line, and the combined height of the solar device structure and the structure to which it is attached shall comply with the maximum height of the underlying zone allowed for the applicable structure (main or accessory) to which the solar device structure is attached.

         2. Gable, hip or gambrel roof: The highest point of the solar device structure shall be no more than six feet above the roof, and the combined height of the solar device structure and the structure to which it is attached shall comply with the maximum height of the underlying zone allowed for the applicable structure (main or accessory) to which the solar device structure is attached.

      3. Solar energy panels co-located on existing utility poles: In accordance with the underlying requirements for the existing pole.

      4. Height is calculated as measured to the highest point of the solar device structure from the finished grade.

   4. Ground-mounted solar energy systems located within the Single Residence Zone (CR-1) or Single Residence Zone (CR-2), and ground-mounted solar energy systems within the Suburban Ranch Zone (SR) and Suburban Ranch Estate Zone (SR-2) if the system is set back less than fifty feet (50') from the abutting properties, shall require a wall or opaque fence (no chain link fencing) on the side abutting the neighbor(s) or that portion of the side affecting the abutting neighbor as determined by the Chief Zoning Inspector or their designee, equal to the height of the system up to six feet or vegetative screening capable of growing up to or greater than the height of the system, be provided to help obscure the solar system from the abutting neighbors' ground-level views. The applicant may obtain an exception from this screening requirement to allow no fencing or chain link fencing with written consent from all abutting property owners submitted to the Chief Zoning Inspector or their designee. The applicant must specify to the abutting property owners whether the exception is for no fencing or chain link fencing.

   5. Lot coverage: Accessory structure maximum lot coverage shall not apply.

   6. Solar energy panels co-located on existing utility poles are limited to 16 square feet per pole.

   7. An accessory structure proposed for roof-mounted solar energy panels must serve some other function (e.g. carport, shed) than to mount solar panels, otherwise the system is defined as "ground-mounted" and subject to Sections 18.07.030(P)(3)(b)(1) or (2) and 18.07.030(P)(3)(c)(1).

4. Solar energy Systems shall be located such that prolonged and/or substantial concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto abutting properties or roadways

5. Energy production: The chief zoning inspector or designee may request prior to issuing permits that the property owner provide written certification that the energy produced by the renewable energy system(s) is reasonably equivalent to the electrical usage of the property; any selling of excess energy is incidental.

6. An exception to the setback requirements may be made subject to approval of a Modification of Setback Requirements (MSR) request in accordance with Section 18.07.070.

7. Any renewable energy system which becomes inoperable shall at the owner's expense be made operational or shall be removed from the property within one year of the date the system became inoperable.