512.4 Photovoltaic Solar Panel Installations

Photovoltaic solar panel installations shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section.

Direct current conduit, wiring systems, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits installed on pitched roofs subject to the requirements of FC512.3 shall be located along hips and valleys, away from the ridge, and on outside walls, to maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub-arrays and to direct current combiner boxes shall be installed in a manner that minimizes the total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the direct current combiner box, except as necessary to minimize the tripping hazard. The direct current combiner boxes shall be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays.

Indoor and outdoor direct current conduit, enclosures, raceways, cable assemblies, junction boxes, combiner boxes, and main service and other disconnects shall have durable, retroreflective and, if outdoors, weatherproof, markings, in white capital letters with a height of not less than ³/₈ inch (9.5 mm) on a red background, reading "WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE." Continuous installations, including conduit, raceways, enclosures and cable assemblies, shall be marked every 10 feet (3048 mm), within 1 foot (305 mm) of all turns or bends, and within 1 foot (305 mm) above and below all penetrations of roof or ceiling assemblies and all walls.