Photovoltaic System and ESS Installation Requirements

All work must meet the minimum requirements of the City of Menlo Park's file specifications. Whether it be for a residential or non-residential installation, applicants are encouraged to have plans drawn by a professional architect or designer familiar with City of Menlo Park’s building permit process to facilitate a timely review of the project plans. Their seal must appear on the plans and calculations provided. Menlo Park Municipal Code 12.22.050 and California Business and Professions Code 5536.1

It is to the applicant’s advantage to submit legible and clear plans. Plans that cannot be read or understood or do not follow the City’s file specifications will not be accepted. This may result in a delay of the plan review process and may cause additional costs to the applicant. If a project has received a use permit or variance, the applicant is strongly encouraged to provide written documentation demonstrating compliance with all of the conditions associated with the project.

1. Size and spacing of existing roof framing.  
2. Proposed location(s) of solar array.  
3. Locations of solar array standoffs. Menlo Park requires structural calculations for PV roof attachments wider than 72-inch spacing. Consider dead loads, point loads, and wind loads due to the solar array attachments.
4. Details verifying that the existing roof system can support the expected loads of the proposed PV system (per CRC R301.4 through CRC R301.8). Additional support for roof framing if existing framing cannot support the expected loads from the attached PV system. Structural calculations might be required if roof framing modifications are proposed.
5. Connection detail of solar array standoff to existing roof framing.  
6. The method of sealing the roof and other penetrations.  
7. A cross section of the existing roof.
8. Location of existing plumbing vents: plumbing vents must not to be covered by the solar array. If the installation would cover a plumbing vent, request and obtain written approval from the Building Official.

1. List total capacities of both the PV and ESS systems.
2. Wiring diagram including wire size and type showing the connection of the supply from the solar array to the point of connection and calculations demonstrating that the existing bus capacity and main disconnect will not be overloaded by the additional solar photovoltaic supply.
3. Locations of the conductors, conduits, inverter, disconnect, combiner box locations etc. Ensure to provide the types, sizes, and quantities.
4. Grounding system location and its specifications.  
5. Rapid Shutdown component in the system or justify how it does not apply per CEC 690.12.
6. Location of the required disconnect for all conductors in the building from the photovoltaic system installed between the inverter and the point of connection. The PV disconnect must be readily accessible and located either within the equipment or within sight and within ten feet of the equipment per CEC 690.15(A). As a policy, Menlo Park prefers that the PV disconnect to be independent of the point of disconnect for the main electrical system.

1. Location of heat detector.  
2. If stacked or separated by less than 3 feet, ensure that the ESS is listed to UL 9540, and provide a copy of this specific product’s UL 9540A test report for AHJ review.
3. Location of dedicated ESS disconnect in the plans and wiring diagram. The ESS disconnect must be readily accessible and located either within the equipment or within sight and within ten feet of the equipment per CEC 690.15(A). Even if inside a garage, the ESS disconnect must be located outside dwelling so emergency responders can access it.
4. Details verifying that the existing wall system is adequate to support the expected loading related to the mounted ESS unit(s). Consider stud sizes, spacing, etc. CRC R301.4 through CRC 301.8
5. Structural calculations considering expected ESS vertical and lateral loading. Manufacturer installation guidance may alternatively suffice.

Materials used for marking must be reflective and suitable for the environment. Marking must have all capital letters with a minimum height of 3/8” white text on red background. CEC 690.31(D)(2)

Manufacturer’s specifications for solar panels, inverter, and other proposed equipment.