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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Solar Energy Work & Inspections

Special and Progress Inspections

Solar installations require, per the Building Code, Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction, as per the table below. Prior to approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections. The Owner must typically engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections before issuance of a DOB permit. Applicants of Record may perform these inspections if they are also registered as an SIA.

Special / Progress Inspection

Description of Code Requirements

Structural Stability – Existing Buildings BC 1704.20.1

Special Inspection required for alterations to existing structures in which loads are transferred from one structural system of structural elements to another.

Fire Resistant Penetrations and Joints BC 1704.27

Special Inspection required for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire resistant joint systems, and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with BC Sections 713.4.1.1.2, 713.4.1.2, 714.3 and 714.4 shall comply.

Flood Zone Compliance
(if applicable) BC 1704.29 and BC G105

If the building is in a special flood hazard zone, a Special Inspection Agency must verify construction complies with NYC Building Code Appendix G, locating all new equipment (excluding the AC disconnect) above the DFE (Design Flood Elevation)

NYC Energy Code Progress Inspections:
Air Sealing and Insulation – Visual – IA6/IIA6

Progress Inspection required for all penetrations through the thermal envelope; penetrations must be sealed to minimize air leakage per NYCECC R402.4.1 and C402.5.1.1

Final Inspection

In order to qualify for the solar Property Tax Abatement (PTA), a Final inspection must be completed, and a final sign-off must be obtained. This Final Inspection is performed by the Department of Buildings. Non-PTA projects may also have a Special Inspection Agency or Applicant of Record complete the final inspection on behalf of the Department of Buildings.

Required Solar Inspections

Following the completion of the solar installation work, DOB inspections are required. Based on the type of Solar Energy System, the following inspections may be required:

Structural Stability Inspection: Existing Buildings

Final Electrical Inspection: Solar PV only

Final Construction Inspection: Sign-off.

An inspector verifies that the field conditions match the approved plans for both installation of panels and equipment. The inspector also confirms that equipment is installed as per the three-line electrical diagram, which includes connection to the main service panel.

Inspection Requests

An online tool for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used. DOB NOW provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals.

Solar Energy

Allowable Work Without a Registered Design Professional Submitting Construction Documents for Department Approval

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