41000 Main Street

Temecula, CA 92590
951-694-6476
TemeculaCA.gov/build
Residential
[email protected] Photovoltaic Requirements
STANDARD PV REQUIREMENTS
Directions:
Please check to make sure that your submittal meets all of the design, submittal, and building
code requirements.

1. All plans and specifications shall be designed under the applicable provisions of the 2016
edition of the California Building, Electrical and Energy Codes.
► Plans & Calculations must be wet signed/originals.

2. There will be a minimum of 36” of clearance at the ridgeline where Solar Arrays are installed
on roofs. Arrays are allowed to be installed down to the eave if there remains (3) access
points from the ground to the ridge. If there is less than (3) access points to the roof ridge
then there shall remain a 36” perimeter walking area around the array.
► Please show and dimension all clearances on your plans.
3. All panel upgrades & new panels must be pulled as a separate permit.
4. All solar photovoltaic plans will be required to have the following items:
a. Submit (3) sets of plans for the photovoltaic module array.
b. (3) copies of a plot plan showing the location on the property of the photovoltaic array in
relationship to the lot property lines with required setback dimensions and locations of all
disconnects, inverters and existing electrical meter(s).
c. (2) copies of structural engineering calculations showing the panel loads imposed
on the roof.
d. Provide plans and specifications for the photovoltaic modules, panels, arrays and
framing supports.
e. Specify conduit size, location (inside and outside of the building) and wire sizes.
f. Details for roof-mounted solar panel support and attachment, or for ground-mounted
solar panel supporting structure and attachment. Specify roof dead load and wind uplift
values.
g. For a roof-mounted array, please provide:
i. Provide the array per square foot weight
ii. Provide the per square foot dead load of the existing roof (roof covering material +
underlayment + sheathing weight). Total dead load, existing per square foot roof
dead load plus per square foot array weight, in excess of ten (10) pounds per
square foot requires a structural analysis to be included with plan submittal.
iii. Show the array supports, the roof penetrations and the connection to the roof-
framing members.
iv. Identify the method of flashing and sealing of the roof penetrations.
h. An electrical one-line diagram showing the number of photovoltaic panels with voltage
and kilowatt output ratings, the size of the main electrical panel bussing in amperes, and
the size of the photovoltaic circuit breaker in amperes.
i. Must comply with TMC. Chap 15.04 Sec 15.04.040 (F)
j. Show the locations of the main building electrical disconnect as requires by NEC Articles
690.14.

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 41000 Main Street
Temecula, CA 92590
951-694-6476
TemeculaCA.gov/build
Residential
[email protected] Photovoltaic Requirements
k. Show and specify the building directory signage required by NEC Article 225.37 and
690.56.
l. Provide calculations that verify the sum of the ratings of the over current devices
supplying power to the bus bar/ conductor so that the panel rating does not exceed 120
percent. Where the panel boards are connected in a series the rating of the first over
current device shall be used in the calculations. NEC Article 690.6 (B).2
m. Provide the manufacturer’s information brochures for the inverter, the photovoltaic
modules and mounting system.

n. Please provide Disconnecting Means that meets the City of Temecula Ordinance-
The current carrying conductors of all sources of energy* shall be designed to de-
energize, and remain de-energized, from their respective source of energy generation
when the utility-supplied service’s main breaker is opened (set to the “off” position) on
the electrical system being energized by the aforementioned sources of energy.
*For purposes of this section, “sources of energy” includes alternating current,
solar, wind and fuel cell sources of energy.

The point where the current carrying conductors are to be de-energized and remain de-
energized shall be immediately adjacent to the point of energy generation or immediately
adjacent to a combiner box, if so equipped. This shall apply to all electrical systems
installations, regardless of location of conductors inside or outside of any structures.

A DC contactor is required so in the event firefighters or anyone else needs to

disconnect the power at the main electrical panel, ALL of the conductors inside or
outside the structure are disconnected, both the alternating current conductors AND the
direct current conductors. Without this contactor, the director direct current conductors,
with more than 50 volts, would remain energized from the array or combiner box down to
the inverter. See the following link (for reference only):
http://state-electric.com/files/catalogs/siemens_industrial_controls/02_202-203.pdf

5. Ground Mounted Systems

Ground mounted solar arrays shall be erected in areas clear of combustible vegetation. A
minimum vegetation clearance or mowed perimeter of 10’ shall be maintained. A physical
site inspection may be required prior building permit issuance (by the Planning Department
or Building Department). Footings require structural calculations or pre-engineered footing
and racking system plans/specifications. Setback requirements are as follows:
Table 17.06.050A
Accessory Structures Setbacks for the HR, RR, VL, L-1, L-2, LM, M and H Zoning Districts
Accessory
1
Structure Front Yard Rear Yard Interior Side Yard
Solar collector Not permitted in front 3 ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 0 in.
yard
Notes: 1. On a corner lot, accessory structures are not permitted, unless otherwise noted above.

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