Chapter 2 of 617% of exam

Solar Panel and Collector Installation

Collector installation is 17 percent of the examination: roof mounts, ground mounts, and weatherproof penetrations. The rules are about fire classification, firefighter access, structure and water. The PrepPass CSLB C-46 Solar Study Guide covers this area in depth, with worked examples and a chapter quiz.

Roof-mounted arrays

A rooftop array is part of the roof's fire rating and must leave room for firefighters.

Fire classification
Rooftop PV systems are listed to UL 2703 and match the roof assembly's required class.
2022 CRC R902.4 (County of Lake excerpt); City of Poway list
Pathways
Two pathways at least 36 inches wide, eave to ridge, on separate roof planes; one on the street or driveway side.
2022 CRC R324.6.1 (City of Berkeley checklist)
Ridge setbacks
18 inches for arrays up to 33% of plan-view roof area; 36 inches above that (66% threshold with sprinklers).
2022 CRC R324.6.2

Structure and attachment

Flush mounts on conventional framing are common; tilted and ballasted systems need more review.

Tilted racks
In Berkeley, panels 10 inches or more off the roof need an engineer's wind-uplift analysis.
City of Berkeley checklist
Added load
Attached arrays add under 3 psf; ballasted arrays 3 to 8 psf.
NREL O&M Best Practices
Hardware
Through-bolting is preferred to clamps; self-tapping screws tend to pull out.
NREL O&M Best Practices

Ground mounts and penetrations

Ground arrays need fire clearance and protected wiring; every roof penetration must stay dry.

Ground-mount clearance
A 10-foot brush-free area around the array perimeter.
2022 CFC 1205.5.1
Underground wiring
Corrosion-resistant conduit for underground runs.
County of San Diego PDS 081S
Penetrations
Flashed and sealed to the approved plan; secure and weather-tight.
California Solar Permitting Guidebook; County of San Diego PDS 081S

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