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Bureau of Development Services <br /> L Program Guide—Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators <br /> Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings <br /> Page 2 of 14 <br /> December 1, 2010 <br /> B. Solar Electric <br /> A solar electric system produces electricity that is distributed to the home via the <br /> residence's main electrical panel, offsetting electric energy that would otherwise <br /> be purchased from the utility. It consists of two, primary components: <br /> 1. Photovoltaic panels, which are commonly installed on the roof; and <br /> 2. An inverter, which converts direct current electricity produced by the panels <br /> into alternating current electricity that can be used by the home. <br /> C. Residential Solar Pool Heating <br /> A residential solar pool heating system consists of light-weight unglazed polymer <br /> (plastic) solar collectors, typically mounted on a roof, through which swimming <br /> pool water is circulated during the summer months to capture the sun's heat. <br /> This type of system is not subject to the requirements of this program guide, and <br /> may be installed by obtaining a mechanical permit. In some cases an electrical <br /> permit may also be necessary to install the control system for the solar collectors. <br /> III. SCOPE <br /> This Program Guide is designed to provide guidelines and permitting requirements <br /> 1 to those interested in solar hot water heaters or photovoltaic solar electric panels on <br /> residential construction. This may include adding a solar system on to an existing <br /> structure as an addition or an alteration, or incorporating a solar system into a new <br /> building. The intent of these guidelines is to streamline the permitting process for <br /> solar energy systems. The Bureau of Development Services (BDS) may require <br /> additional information be submitted to ensure proper compliance with code <br /> requirements. <br /> IV. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS <br /> For a typical residential installation the following rules apply. For installations not <br /> complying with this guide contact BDS for installation requirements. <br /> A. Land Use <br /> Solar installations must comply with the Zoning Code. Specific Zoning <br /> information regarding a site can be obtained from the BDS Planning and Zoning <br /> Section by calling 503-823-7526. <br /> 1. Height <br /> In all instances, installations of solar equipment, including the rails and <br /> panels, are subject to the height limitations of the specific zone where they <br /> are being installed. <br /> Roof-mounted solar panels are not included in height calculations, and may <br /> exceed the maximum height of the zone if the following are met: <br />