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Renewable energy systems

P

peesncues

Registered User
Joined
Oct 21, 2009
Messages
22
Location
Colorado
I have recently come across what I beleive is an issue that should be addressed. Our jurisdition has adopted the 2006 IBC, IRC and IECC. The IFC is adopted only in areas of the rural county which overlay into the city's fire protection district.

We are starting to see several individual renewable energy systems (wind and solar) which is simple enough when tied to the grid but some remote locations in the county don't access the grid. When this occurs, the power is stored in a series of batteries. Most of these systems are serving single family dwellings which are regulated by the IRC. The problem is that the IRC is silent on battery storage. I've started preparing an amendment to the IRC so that I can use some of the language from the IFC to help homeowners create a safe storage condition for their battery systems.

1) Are any of the rest of you out there experiencing the same?

2) If so, do you believe that the provisions of IFC section 608 are adequate/appropriate for a residential application? (Specifically the allowable limits of 50 gallons for flooded lead acid and nickel cadmium or 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion.)

Any discussion would be appreciated.
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

On first blush it might be that the quantity and type of material(s) would required adherence to Haz-Mat regulation, even in a residential application. ( ? )
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

Storage batteries are exempt from Group H designations. There are requirements in the fire code based upon the quantitiy of electrolyte. A bigger issue for firefighter safety is that these panels and batteries are making electricty even when you might think they are idle. They can pose a real shock hazard to firefighters.
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

Anything that does not meet the prescriptive provisions of the Res Code can be reviewed under the Building Code without the entire project needing to meet the Building Code, only those elements that have no prescriptive path.
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

Thank you all for the replies- very helpful as always.

My problem is that up to this point, we do not issue building permits for ground mounted units, wind or solar. (Electrical permits from the State only). That is why I can't really answer your questions and it is what I am attempting to remedy. Need to write the amendment then present to the BOCC to convince them of the need for regulation. I figured the hazard of battery storage was my strongest argument.

Thanks again for your help.
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

I have a related question: How does your jurisdiction enforce code off the grid? I am accustomed to the connection to the utility being the big stick for enforcing compliance. I have lived in two different parts of the country where off the grid houses are routinely built without permits.
 
Re: Renewable energy systems

I agree with John Drobysh.

On the other hand I am not sure that a code official has much standing on the issue. The code should be amended,
 
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