ICC Clarifies Guard Requirements for Rooftop Solar Installations

[jar546]

An interpretation from the International Code Council has confirmed that rooftop-mounted fixed photovoltaic (PV) arrays and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are not subject to the guard requirements found in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) Section 304.11 or International Building Code (IBC) Section 1015.6, provided they are not tracking systems with motors.

The ICC explains that fixed PV arrays and BIPVs function much like roof coverings. When these systems fail, they are replaced in their entirety rather than repaired in place. This is similar to skylights or roofing materials, which are replaced rather than “serviced” in the traditional mechanical sense. Because of this, they do not meet the IMC’s definition of a mechanical system that would trigger guard requirements.

However, the ruling draws a clear line for motorized tracking PV systems. In those cases, replacing or repairing the motor is considered “servicing” to maintain functionality. As such, guardrails would be required in compliance with IMC 304.11 and IBC 1015.6 when those systems are installed in locations where fall hazards exist.

This clarification applies to the 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024 editions of the IMC.

 

[steveray]

An interpretation from the International Code Council has confirmed that rooftop-mounted fixed photovoltaic (PV) arrays and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are not subject to the guard requirements found in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) Section 304.11 or International Building Code (IBC) Section 1015.6, provided they are not tracking systems with motors.

The ICC explains that fixed PV arrays and BIPVs function much like roof coverings. When these systems fail, they are replaced in their entirety rather than repaired in place. This is similar to skylights or roofing materials, which are replaced rather than “serviced” in the traditional mechanical sense. Because of this, they do not meet the IMC’s definition of a mechanical system that would trigger guard requirements.

However, the ruling draws a clear line for motorized tracking PV systems. In those cases, replacing or repairing the motor is considered “servicing” to maintain functionality. As such, guardrails would be required in compliance with IMC 304.11 and IBC 1015.6 when those systems are installed in locations where fall hazards exist.

This clarification applies to the 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024 editions of the IMC.

And we don't have anything for electricians for the inverters or anything?

 

[ICE]

An interpretation from the International Code Council has confirmed

So you couldn't figure that one out for yourself?