As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
SOLAR PANEL
An elevated panel or plate, or a canopy or array thereof,
that captures and converts solar radiation to produce power and includes
flat plates, focusing solar collectors, or photovoltaic solar cells
and excludes the base or foundation of the panel, plate, canopy, or
array.
This chapter is intended to only supplement the Standard Building
Code. No section of this chapter is intended to repeal or augment
any section of the Borough, county, state or other regulatory building
code.
A solar energy system that is affixed to any newly constructed
or currently existing structure shall be equipped with a device capable
of disconnecting the system at a readily accessible location that
is in close proximity to the meter on the exterior of the structure.
The purpose of markings, labels and warning signs is to provide
emergency responders with appropriate warning and guidance with respect
to isolating the solar electrical system. This can facilitate identifying
energized electrical lines that connect the solar panels to the inverter,
as these should not be cut when venting for smoke removal.
A. Main service disconnect.
(1) Residential buildings: The markings may be placed within the main
service disconnect. The markings shall be placed on the outside cover
if the main service disconnect is operable with the service panel
closed.
(2) Commercial buildings: The markings shall be placed adjacent to the
main service disconnect and shall be clearly visible from the location
where the lever is operated.
(3) Marking verbiage and type of material.
(a)
Verbiage: "CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONNECTED."
(b)
Material: reflective, weather-resistant material suitable for
the environment.
B. Marking placement, verbiage, and type of material on DC conduits,
raceways, enclosures, cable assemblies, DC combiners, and junction
boxes.
(1) Placement: Markings shall be placed every 10 feet on all interior
and exterior DC conduits, raceways, enclosures, and cable assemblies,
at turns, above and/or below penetrations, and on all DC combiners
and junction boxes.
(2) Verbiage: "CAUTION: SOLAR CIRCUIT."
(3) Material: reflective, weather-resistant material suitable for the
environment.
The local building and/or law enforcement officials retain all
rights and duties to inspect and enforce this code pursuant to any
other section of the Borough Code or other law.
All applications, statements, complaints, requests or other
written materials filed pursuant to this chapter, or other official
papers prepared pursuant to this chapter, shall be preserved for a
period of at least five years from the date of filing or preparation.