Solar Energy System Permit Requirements
Electrical permits are required for all solar electric systems and must be secured by the person doing the electrical work. In the vast majority of cases this will be your electrical contractor. Owners with the required planning and installation skills, who want to complete the installation themselves, can also obtain the electrical permit. Your contractor must submit an electrical drawing and the system will be subject to a field inspection after installation. Typical field-inspection permit fees for small systems are approximately $190. If your system design is atypical, your contractor may be required to go through a plan review.
Building Permit
Building permits in Seattle are required for solar arrays when any of the following apply:
1. The array weight is 1,000 pounds or more.4
2. The installation is structurally complex (determined by the Seattle Department of Planning & Development).
3. The solar project is part of building alterations or additions valued over $4,000.
4. The solar project requires construction of stand-alone support structures valued over $4,000.
Land Use Requirements
In Single Family, Multi-family and Residential Small Lot zones5, solar panels may be mounted to extend up to 4 feet above the zone's height limit, and/or extend up to 4 feet above the ridge of a pitched roof. Also, the total height from existing grade to the top of the solar panels may not extend more than 9 feet above the zone's height limit.
In the Single Family and Residential Small Lot zones, a solar panel exceeding the zone height limit must be placed so that it does not shade the property to the North on January 21, at noon, any more than a structure built to the maximum permitted size for that zone. For assistance in determining solar exposure, please see CAM 417: Sun Chart: Determination of Solar Exposure.
Set-Back Yard Requirements
Ground or pole mounted PV systems cannot be located in front yards. They must be at least 15 feet from back property line and 3 feet from side property line. More specifics on set-back requirements can be found in CAM 420.
Labels
solar energysolar panelssolar powerrenewable energysolar panel costsolar panel pricesolar power systemsolar panels for homesolar panels for your homephotovoltaic systemshome solar panelssolar inverter for homesolar power requirements for a house
Farming Principle: Deep Soil Preparation
Looking at GB as a three-legged stool, deep soil preparation is one of the legs. Deep soil preparation builds soil and soil structure by loosening the soil to a depth of 24 inches (60 cm). Ideal soil structure has both pore space for air and water to move freely and soil particles that hold together nicely.
Smart Home Ecosystem - Smart Home Automation - Smart Home Security - Smart Home Technology
The outer-most level corresponds to the individual devices and sensors that consumers interact with. Several candidates are vying for the role of a leader introducing smart home services to the mass market.
Solar Energy Systems - Solar Modules - Solar Electric System Design - Solar Power
The heart of a photovoltaic system is the solar module. Many photovoltaic cells are wired together by the manufacturer to produce a solar module. When installed at a site, solar modules are wired together in series to form strings. Strings of modules are connected in parallel to form an array.
Solar Energy Systems - Array Mounting Racks - Solar Ray - Solar Panel - PV Racks and Mounts
Arrays are most commonly mounted on roofs or on steel poles set in concrete. In certain applications, they may be mounted at ground level or on building walls. Solar modules can also be mounted to serve as part or all of a shade structure such as a patio cover. On roof-mounted systems, the PV array is typically mounted on fixed racks, parallel to t
Solar Energy Systems - Grounding Equipment
Grounding equipment provides a well-defined, low-resistance path from your system to the ground to protect your system from current surges from lightning strikes or equipment malfunctions. Grounding also stabilizes voltages and provides a common reference point. The grounding harness is usually located on the roof.
Solar Energy Systems - Solar Inverter - Solar Panel Inverter
Most grid-connected inverters can be installed outdoors, while most off-grid inverters are not weatherproof. There are essentially two types of grid-interactive inverters: those designed for use with batteries and those designed for a system without batteries.
Solar Energy Systems - Solar Disconnects
Automatic and manual safety disconnects protect the wiring and components from power surges and other equipment malfunctions. They also ensure the system can be safely shut down and system components can be removed for maintenance and repair.
Solar Energy Systems - Solar Battery Bank
Batteries store direct current electrical energy for later use. This energy storage comes at a cost, however, since batteries reduce the efficiency and output of the PV system, typically by about 10 percent for lead-acid batteries. Batteries also increase the complexity and cost of the system.
Solar Energy Systems - Solar Charge Controller
A charge controller, sometimes referred to as a photovoltaic controller or battery charger, is only necessary in systems with battery back-up. The primary function of a charge controller is to prevent overcharging of the batteries. Most also include a lowvoltage disconnect that prevents over-discharging batteries. In addition, charge controllers pr
Solar Energy Systems - The NEC and PV Systems
Solar PV systems must be installed in accordance with Article 690 of the National Electric Code, which specifically deals with PV systems, as well as several other articles of the NEC that pertain to electrical systems in general. When there is a conflict between NEC 690 and any other article, NEC 690 takes precedence due to the unique nature of PV