The solar industry in California has always operated in wax and wane cycles. Currently there is a frenzy of activity. It is a good time to be a solar contractor. The government is poised to pump billions into renewable energy sources. Just show up with your hand out and experience the magic of a money giveaway as only our leaders can do.
The State has taken away the formal plan check. It is now the inspector’s job to plan check the installation while performing the field inspection. Long ago, the State mandated that jurisdictions are allowed just one inspection and that is the final inspection where an inspector will perform a plan check. Fat chance of that happening. The quality of the inspections has been questionable for years and now there’s supposed to be a plan check by the same people that hardly inspect.
Many years ago the industry lobby tried to get the State to allow the solar contractor to self certify in lieu of plan check and inspection. That is what exists now without formally acknowledging it. The AHJ has the liability and has turned it over to fly by night entrepreneurs.
The State has taken away the formal plan check. It is now the inspector’s job to plan check the installation while performing the field inspection. Long ago, the State mandated that jurisdictions are allowed just one inspection and that is the final inspection where an inspector will perform a plan check. Fat chance of that happening. The quality of the inspections has been questionable for years and now there’s supposed to be a plan check by the same people that hardly inspect.
Many years ago the industry lobby tried to get the State to allow the solar contractor to self certify in lieu of plan check and inspection. That is what exists now without formally acknowledging it. The AHJ has the liability and has turned it over to fly by night entrepreneurs.
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