Is this professional installation acceptable

Should I accept this professional installation? Is this good enough? Is it acceptable? We are the first house in HOA with street facing panels and somebody may challenge the esthetics. On my end - I am concerned that the wind will move panel and rub / friction the roof ... The panel corner is touching the other roof.
Am I too fussy?


design:

Was this inspected? Doesn’t look like they met the ridge and end NEC/Fire code for walking space. Also think it’s 18” walking space on each roof line in the valley between to adjacent roof lines to make a total of 36”. I would have them re-do the entire thing to code, surprised a professional company didn’t.

Is the panel secured or is there no fastener on that corner, can you lift it?

No, make them fix it

I would not accept that.

That's a F-up

If they'd put some landscape it would have fitted, but as others have said the whole install is too close to the ridge.

There are various reasons for not installing that close to the ridge, wind uplift is one of the major reasons and fire code.

It's not acceptable.

Edit. Is it me or are those panels square???

Yeah, no. Make them fix it. Yes, it's a PITA to remove all the panels and move everything over 6" on the rack, but that's what you paid for.
I'm unhappy with my install:

but that's on me, as I was supervising the install. And I don't care enough to take it all down and move it over. Had I paid someone to install it I would have expected them to get it right the first time (they are supposed to be experienced), or fix it for free.

ChrisG said:

Was this inspected? Doesn’t look like they met the ridge and end NEC/Fire code for walking space. Also think it’s 18” walking space on each roof line in the valley between to adjacent roof lines to make a total of 36”. I would have them re-do the entire thing to code, surprised a professional company didn’t.

Is the panel secured or is there no fastener on that corner, can you lift it?

Click to expand...

IRC 324.6 for roof access requirements for photovoltaic array setbacks and access pathways.


I don't see any way this installation is to code. Unless they got an exception from the fire marshal. It is a steep roof, so it's possible. With that workmanship I assume they didn't.

Wgaf

Even if you forget codes and aesthetics, that corner shoved into the roof like that is going to cause trouble at some point.

It looks to me like they designed it with one panel, and actually installed something totally different (why are they square?), so it doesn't fit the design.

That is Ridiculous !!

Did the “Professional” Contractor say anything or put anything in writing alerting you to this ? As a contractor, I would want to get that rectified right away.

Are there “Permits” & “Inspections” & “Codes” where you live ? Was any of that done ? If so do you have copies of Permits, Inspections, Sign Offs ?

That last panel being pushed up “out of plane” is twisting that panel ,,, I would think not only will that be no good for the panel, it will not be good for your roof. If it has been twisted does it need to be replaced (as in it is damaged).

If the Contractor did not bring this issue to your attention ,,, Why Not ?

So IMO ask about the Permits, Inspections, Sign Offs, Warranty, Contractor’s Liability Insurance (are you additional named insured & have a certificate ?), Panel Manufacturer’s Installation paper (to ensure twister frames are acceptable ), Installers Credentials ( Electrician with a ticket or ??? ),etc, Blaa, Blaa



FYI; The definition of “Professional” & “Amateur” is; One gets paid & One doesn’t ,,, That is it !!


If, the Contractor did not make you aware of this issue ,,, Why not ? This is a very important question they should answer as either the “Management” is unaware of it ( No Quality Control ) or They were aware ( & were attempting to sweep it under the carpet ).

In these situations, I ask them questions;

1) Are You Proud of the Work You Performed ?
2) Is the work properly performed & inspected & signed off ?
3) Then question 3 ,,, Can You tell me - Are You a Crook or an Idiot ?


That may sound harsh, however if “Management / Owners” are ok with crappy QC or their employees not reporting such a crappy install this is my opinion of them.

My Recommendation;

1) Take many many high quality photos showing as is installed.

2) Get on them ASAP about rectification & a complete review of their work & local regulations & signed off by authorities if required.

3) Get named on their Liability Insurance (additional names insured) & get a certificate of insurance from their insurer.

If they did that on your roof, what did they do in the rest of your house? Your electric panel?

Do you have pics of how the wiring is ran from roof?

Roof dimensions were probably inaccurate from the aerial and real life interfered. You bought X number of panels and they were trying to deliver. It is not acceptable, but I see how you got there.

The system will be downsized because you are losing a panel, but something needs to be done. That install is not good for the facing roof slope or that panel that is improperly anchored.

Once upon a time, pathways were required on all sides.
Now I think just one or two pathways on driveway or street side.

So may be OK without wide path on the one side.

If a path is required, some places allow overhang to count, others require path to be within supporting walls.

Panels all the way to the ridge I don't think complies, needs 18" clearance on either side of ridge.

My place is split level, and I was hoping lower ridge could have 0" but from drawings I see, each ridge requires 36" per side (18" per side acceptable if not to high a percentage of roof covered by panels) where vent holes could be hacked.




What if those panels were moved to the right 18" or so (even overhanging beyond the roof a couple inches.)
Then they could moved down 18", leaving required distance to ridge.

Option 1 - Shift the panels to the right - even 4" - that would make a difference...
Option 2 - Move the offending panel to the adjacent roof (yes, it would be facing east - instead of south - so less energy - but oh well).
Strange positioning of this one panel - probably it will look even worse.
Option 3 - Remove that panel panel and ask for a small credit ... (again not perfect - we loose some power) - but this is probably the right answer here - if they cannot move the whole thing to the right

Well the design was for rectangular panels, they installed something more square, not to the design you show in your post.

Definitely not to code, the second row, 4th panel to the left is actually lifted due to the corner hitting the other roof face. I would say you are going to have to loose that panel and then you have the ridge clearance issue as well or tell them to redo it all with the correct panels as the design shows.

On a positive, they installed screens for keeping critters from chewing or nesting under the panels

masiarek said:

Option 1 - Shift the panels to the right - even 4" - that would make a difference...
Option 2 - Move the offending panel to the adjacent roof (yes, it would be facing east - instead of south - so less energy - but oh well).
Strange positioning of this one panel - probably it will look even worse.
Option 3 - Remove that panel panel and ask for a small credit ... (again not perfect - we loose some power) - but this is probably the right answer here - if they cannot move the whole thing to the right

Click to expand...

Option 1 would take care of the tilted panel.

But we think having the panels up to the ridge line does not comply with code.
Probably supposed to have 18" clearance so firemen can hack a vent hole to let out smoke.

So I suggested moving over 18" or more.

Option 2 very bad, depending on how smart/stupid the MPPT design, could reduce current from other panels.

(Unless microinverters)
But maybe the panel can me moved over with the others, same orientation.

Option 3 is reasonable. Maybe keep it as a spare.

Note that this doesn't fix the 18" clearance requirement to ridge.

This physical set has 11 panels. The other set has 12 panels.
Do you know the electrical configuration? Series/parallel, how many MPPT inputs (assuming string inverter)
What brand/model inverter(s), and are optimizers/RSD boxes used (would not be if microinverters.)

wow - "ridge clearance issue" - I was not considering this as a potential issue. I live in North Carolina. My contractor is https://yessolarsolutions.com/ - so a professional company - I would assume that know legal requirements and I assume that in North Caroline this is considered "just fine" ...

OP, nice work posting this install to get good advice and show others what to look for. As mentioned, 'professional' means they get paid, 'competent professional' is entirely a different thing. Issues like this indicate that the best path forward is to review the entire install by a third party. Added cost? Yes. Added time? Yes. A PITA? Yeah. Necessary? Many would say yes.

masiarek said:

wow - "ridge clearance issue" -

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, this is all to common, but don't pay you installer until it meets all codes. You may wish to go to your local build department and show them the pictures, they have leverage as they are the ones that have to sign off on the installation and if they already did, someone isn't doing there job. 100% sure, this is NOT TO CODE.


Also, take some pictures of the electrical work they did and post here, I suspect the panel spacing is the tip of the iceberg

My 2 cents and worth that.


If you are gonna break the rules, you should know what they are -

This will affect you most when you sell the house, if they didn't do permits and inspections this is considered a non-compliant improvement. This likely means having to have it removed to sell.

And if they are this sloppy on the panel install I wonder if they did the roof penetrations correctly and hit the rafters with their screws and sealed all the holes so they don't leak in the first rain. And will they be around to fix any issues a year from now? And no bet on the electrical work.

And with solar vendors they should be treated as 'trust but verify' - many just use generic day labor that don't know or care about the rules and there should be someone to supervise and inspect.

If they didn't give you copies of the permits and inspections they probably didn't do them and now you are liable if any of the panels fly off in the wind because they aren't secured properly.

​

Roof Access and Pathways (NEC 690.12)​

• Single Ridge Roofs:
  • A minimum 3-foot (914 mm) wide clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels are installed.
  • Pathways should be provided at intervals not exceeding 150 feet (45.72 m) to allow firefighters access to the roof.
• Hips and Valleys:
  • When solar panels are installed within 3 feet (914 mm) of a hip or valley, a minimum 18-inch (457 mm) clearance is required on each side of the hip or valley.
• Ridge:
  • A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space is required at the ridge of the roof to provide ventilation and access for firefighters.
• firefighter Access:
  • Pathways should be provided over structural members and as close to the ridge as possible.
  • Pathways should be located in areas that provide ventilation opportunities, such as hips, valleys, and ridge lines.
• Conduit and Wiring:
  • Exposed wiring and conduits should be installed in a way that minimizes trip hazards and allows for safe access by firefighters (NEC 690.31).
  • Conduits should be painted or labeled to indicate that they carry DC power.
• Equipment Grounding:
  • All metallic parts of the PV system should be grounded in accordance with NEC 690.43.
• Rapid Shutdown:
  • The PV system must have a rapid shutdown capability to reduce the risk of electric shock to emergency responders (NEC 690.12).

The ridge clearance may not be an issue if the other side is clear. Depends on how that is interpreted.

masiarek said:

wow - "ridge clearance issue" - I was not considering this as a potential issue. I live in North Carolina. My contractor is https://yessolarsolutions.com/ - so a professional company - I would assume that know legal requirements and I assume that in North Caroline this is considered "just fine" ...

Click to expand...

In NC also. Very clear rules on ridge to panel spacing and yours does not comply. Just went though this exact topic on my final decision to do roof or ground might. Ground mount decision won.

Q-Dog said:

The ridge clearance may not be an issue if the other side is clear. Depends on how that is interpreted.

Click to expand...

36" clearance required on each side of ridge.
Unless PV area not more than 33% of roof area (66% if you have sprinklers), in which case 18" clearance each side.

Fireman chooses one or the other side to hack vent holes, depending on wind direction.

masiarek said:

wow - "ridge clearance issue" - I was not considering this as a potential issue. I live in North Carolina. My contractor is https://yessolarsolutions.com/ - so a professional company - I would assume that know legal requirements and I assume that in North Caroline this is considered "just fine" ...

Click to expand...

Lots of pictures on their website show breaking the ridge clearance rule. Must not get inspected or nobody cares in NC building dept. Admittedly, if this were a DIY install out in the woods on my own house, I would simply shift the array to the right far enough to clear the valley.

It does look like they have done enough installs to know better. Your phone call to get this corrected should not be a surprise to them.