solar laws: permits, zoning
There isn't a solar building code or specific legal requirements for solar or wind powered systems... But pay attention to permits, zoning and other requirements.
Building codes, solar codes and solar legal requirements
States and cities have adopted several building codes - National Electrical Code, International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, Uniform Building... - and it is through federal, state and most of all local laws governing construction that solar (and other renewable systems) is regulated...
Permits and zoning are the way local entities regulate construction, including solar or wind powered solutions.
Solar permits
Installing a PV solar system (for power generation) in an existing building requires a permit from your city or county building office, probably a building permit and a separated electrical permit (based in the National Electrical Code (NEC), in USA).
Solar law is largely based on permits. Solar permits involve compliance in areas like roof loads, wiring, potable water supplies, acceptable heat exchangers...
Solar law on zoning
Zoning is based on maps approved by City Councils and other local entities. Solar zoning compliance involves features like non-obstruction of sideyards, protrusions on roofs, proximity to trees and lot boundaries... The installation of solar panels should pay attention to them.
To ease your tasks and save time...
Solar professionals know - or should know - local practices and solar law requirements, which vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. And they usually take care of those legal requirements (their quotes already include it).
Just be aware. Make sure that tasks involving solar law are assumed by your solar provider/installer. It will be easier to you.
Look for the Help of your neighbors
Your neighbors can also give you a great help in what concerns wind and solar law. If any of your neighbors has already a solar or wind system, his experience can be very useful to you, and speed up the whole process.
Other Solar Legal requirements
If you want to connect your PV solar system to the national grid (the alternative is a stand alone system that is far less flexible and more expensive), pay attention to the contract that regulates your relationship with the utility, safety issues and net-metering.
See:
Renewables Laws
Requirements for grid-connected systems
Hydro Power Water Rights
Wind Laws
Solar Solutions
Photovoltaic solutions
Photovoltaic technology
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