While safety, system performance, and consumer value cannot be sacrificed for the sake of expediency, the highest level of quality can be achieved through optimization of the process and standardization of the documentation requirements. The objective is to complete a comprehensive suite of design tools that serve industry, customers, and code officials. This is done by automating much of the process and standardizing formats. Code checks are completed with transparency and detail to assure compliance and safety. The scope of this effort is to develop system that will produce a set of PV system design drawings and documents that are code compliant and ready for fast-track permitting. There will be minimal user inputs and all documentation will be in a standardized format that installers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and system owners clan clearly and completely understand. Key points include: Minimize user inputs to avoid errors Automate the electrical design process (wire sizing, breakers specifications, etc) Automate the structural design process (wind load calculations, anchoring, etc) Maintain Flexibility in system configuration options for module/inverter pairing and array attachment methods Built in code checking and validation (NEC, ASCE 7, FL Building Code, etc) Standardize the format of the drawings and documents for consistency and ease of use Produce outputs that are compatible with existing permitting processes Organize and publish references and resources for use by consumers, contractors, and agencies Objective 1 – System Design Tool The system design tool is divided into two modules that complete the PV system design, one for the electrical schematics and one for the structural components. These modules will be developed and maintained separately, but functionally will be indiscernible to the user. Plans generation A system details collection form created under the website development portion of the overall project will pass the user inputs to the design tool. User inputs include major components such as: PV module model, inverter model and racking system choice. Minor BOS components to complete the system include: wire type, junction boxes, and circuit breakers.
While safety, system performance, and consumer value cannot be sacrificed for the sake of expediency, the highest level of quality can be achieved through optimization of the process and standardization of the documentation requirements. The objective is to complete a comprehensive suite of design tools that serve industry, customers, and code officials. This is done by automating much of the process and standardizing formats. Code checks are completed with transparency and detail to assure compliance and safety. The scope of this effort is to develop system that will produce a set of PV system design drawings and documents that are code compliant and ready for fast-track permitting. There will be minimal user inputs and all documentation will be in a standardized format that installers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and system owners clan clearly and completely understand. Key points include: Minimize user inputs to avoid errors Automate the electrical design process (wire sizing, breakers specifications, etc) Automate the structural design process (wind load calculations, anchoring, etc) Maintain Flexibility in system configuration options for module/inverter pairing and array attachment methods Built in code checking and validation (NEC, ASCE 7, FL Building Code, etc) Standardize the format of the drawings and documents for consistency and ease of use Produce outputs that are compatible with existing permitting processes Organize and publish references and resources for use by consumers, contractors, and agencies Objective 1 – System Design Tool The system design tool is divided into two modules that complete the PV system design, one for the electrical schematics and one for the structural components. These modules will be developed and maintained separately, but functionally will be indiscernible to the user. Plans generation A system details collection form created under the website development portion of the overall project will pass the user inputs to the design tool. User inputs include major components such as: PV module model, inverter model and racking system choice. Minor BOS components to complete the system include: wire type, junction boxes, and circuit breakers.
GoSolarIIPVSystemDesignCertificationBusinessRequirements.docx