PV in CA Very High Fire Zones

[jessed]

I was told that the Photovoltaics were restricted on roofs in zones designated as very high fire zones per chapter 7A of the 2010 California Building Code. I can not find the specific section. Can anyone shed some light on this comment? It is much appreciated.

 

[FredK]

Found these on publicecodes for Cal 2010. Don't know if they would help you out. I would call the local jurisdiction to get the scoop.

http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/b300v10/st_ca_st_b300v10_49_sec005_par001.htm?bu=CA-P-2010-000008

4905.2 Construction methods and requirements within established limits. Within the limits established by law, construction methods intended to mitigate wildfire exposure shall comply with the wildfire protection building construction requirements contained in the California Building Standards Code including the following:

1. California Building Code Chapter 7A,

2. California Residential Code Section R327,

3. California Reference Standards Code Chapter 12-7A

4. and this chapter.

They nay have something in the test standard:

http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/b1800v10/st_ca_st_b1800v10_12-7a_section.htm?bu=CA-P-2010-000008

Chapter 12-7A - Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure

 

[mark handler]

You need "Access Pathways".

Refer to the links to the CA state fire Marshal

http://www.osfm.fire.ca.gov/training/photovoltaics.php

http://www.osfm.fire.ca.gov/training/pdf/photovoltaics/solarphotovoltaicguideline.pdf

 

[David Henderson]

Check out Wildland Urban Interface Code might find your answer there.

 

[mark handler]

http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_wildland_codes.php#code4CHAPTER 7A [sFM]

704A.1.2 Roof coverings. Where the roof profile allows a space between the roof covering and roof decking, the spaces shall be constructed to prevent the intrusion of flames and embers, be firestopped with approved materials or have one layer of 72 pound (32.4 kg) mineral-surfaced nonperforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 installed over the combustible decking.

http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us/NR/rdonlyres/12087803-9480-4B97-BD4A-591233440F9E/0/WildlandUrbanInterfaceGuidelines.pdf

WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT STANDARD GUIDELINES

Solar panels located less than 20 feet to a combustible structure shall have a metal frame, otherwise the size and type of materials of the entire solar panel system will determine the separation distance to combustible structures. All solar panels placed on a roof top shall comply with the Class “A” roof assembly and materials requirements

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=10&sqi=2&ved=0CGEQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.poway.org%2FModules%2FShowDocument.aspx%3Fdocumentid%3D1580&rct=j&q=Wildland%20Urban%20Interface%20Code%20solar&ei=ndasTcnhOYWisQPG0-nMCQ&usg=AFQjCNHM49l2vg6GnEgCtzgfd1AHfGAM2Q&sig2=GnEb1x8dr2ZEZ87nTOE7Rw

California Public Resources Code, Section 4291 IN VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD AREAS

4.2 Placement of ground-mounted solar panel arrays is regulated in this zone. 20 feet from combustable structures