Solar Photovoltaic Systems Checklist
Per 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code)
Solar Photovoltaic applications are reviewed by the county electrical inspectors. The following checklist shall be submitted with your plans. Each item on the list shall be marked to verify it is part of the submittal. Incomplete information may result in plan rejection or delay in the approval of our project.
Plan Submittal Requirements
All construction drawings must be submitted in PDF format at the time of your online building permit application Boulder County Permit Records & Online Application Submittals.
For all systems include the PV system capacity in watts, and whether system is a stand-alone, grid-tied, or hybrid system.
For all Systems
Site Plan – Equipment Outside a Building:
- Show the location of all disconnects.
- Show the layout of all the array’s and the required minimum access and pathways per 2021 IFC Section 1205.
- Show the location of all batteries.
- Show the location of inverters.
- Show the location and connection of all grounding electrode conductors.
- Show the clearances around all equipment.
- Show dimensions between equipment and structures.
- Show dimensions between equipment and property lines.
Note: See the Pole or Ground Mounted Panels section below for additional site plan requirements.
Floor Plan – Equipment Within a Building:
- Show the location of all disconnects.
- Show the location of all batteries.
- Show the location of inverters.
- Show the location and connection of all grounding electrode conductors.
- Show location of all equipment within structures.
- Label the use of the room in which the equipment is placed.
- Show clearances of the equipment.
Wiring Requirements:
- Provide a one-line diagram that includes the following information:
- Label whether the system is stand-alone, grid-tied, or hybrid.
- Conductor sizes.
- Conductor insulation types (i.e., THHN, THWN, direct burial cable, etc.).
- Conductor material (i.e., copper/aluminum).
- Conduit sizes.
- Conduit material (i.e., non-metallic, EMT, etc.).
- Over current device ratings.
- Existing and new panel amperage ratings (buss ratings).
- Series and parallel configuration of the module connections.
Equipment Requirements:
- Provide product listing sheets for all equipment with the following information:
- Module short circuit current ratings.
- Module open circuit voltage ratings.
- Module series fuse ratings.
- Inverter output circuit current rating.
- Inverter UL listings.
- All associated documentation (i.e., batteries, inverters, disconnects, modules, charge controllers, over-current devices etc.).
- Method of grounding for modules and array.
- Projected kWH/year for the system.
Note: Voltage correction factor is based on 125% (2023 NEC Table 690.7).
Roof Mounted Panels – Provide the following information:
- An engineer’s evaluation regarding the dead-load capability of the existing roof structure and its ability to support the added weight of the solar photovoltaic system. The Engineer must reference the required wind and snow load for the site. If the panels project above the ridge line of the roof, this most also be part of engineer’s evaluation.
- For flat roof installations provide method of repair for roof penetrations.
Pole or Ground Mounted Panels – Provide the following information:
- Site Plan to include the following:
- Location of panel(s) on property.
- Dimensions from panel(s) to property lines.
- Dimensions from panel(s) to other structures on the property and property easements.
- Engineered footing design.
Final Solar PV Inspections
Submit to Boulder County Land Use a signed Letter of Verification, on Company Letterhead, verifying the roof mounted PV array equipment and grounding has been installed in accordance with 2023 NEC articles 690.41 through 690.47, as well as other applicable sections of the NEC and manufacture installation instructions.
Please email this information to the building inspectors at buildinginspectors@bouldercounty.gov.