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Homeowners always look for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for lighting their spaces, and solar lights are an ideal option for illuminating your spaces with miraculous beauty.
In Florida government have opposed some regulation on solar power systems to ensure the safety of solar systems as well as yourselves. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the guidelines for safely installing solar lights in your Florida home.
So, enjoy the Benefits of this sustainable lighting solution with peace of mind.
Are there any specific rules and regulations for residential outdoor solar lighting systems in Florida?
In Florida, there are no specific rules and regulations regarding residential outdoor solar lighting systems.
But several regulations at the national level and state levels can comply with residential outdoor solar lighting systems as well. Such as Florida Solar right act, National Electric Code and International Building Code.
| Regulation / Code | Description |
| Florida Solar Rights Act (Florida Statute 163.04) | Secures the property rights of owners to install and use solar energy systems on their property, free from unfair restrictions imposed by local governments, homeowners’ associations, or covenants and conditions. It also provides for the safeguard of solar access, meaning that no person or entity may unwarrantedly interfere with the transmission of sunlight to a solar energy system. |
| Florida Solar Energy Center Standards (FSEC) | The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) specifies standards for solar energy systems to enhance their safety, efficiency, and performance. Some of the standards specified by FSEC include: NEC Compliance Product Listing Module Certification Battery specifications Design criteria for PV lighting systems |
| National Electric Code (NEC) | The Code specifications set minimum standards for safe electrical installations, comprising outdoor solar lighting systems. This code encompasses issues such as wiring, grounding, and overcurrent protection, among others. |
| National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issues standards and guidelines for fire protection, including those related to outdoor solar lighting systems. This includes specifications for materials and construction to avoid fire hazards. |
| International Building Code (IBC) | The International Building Code (IBC) sets minimum criteria for building design and construction, including outdoor solar lighting systems. This code covers issues such as structural stability, accessibility, and energy efficiency, among others. |
What are the restrictions opposed by the Florida solar rights act?
Here, I have mentioned some of the restrictions opposed to solar power systems. But it does not mention any specific restrictions on residential solar lighting systems, and those restrictions also apply to residential solar lighting systems.
| Restriction | Explanation |
| Zoning restrictions | Zoning restrictions that avoid the installation of solar energy systems on a property, or limit their size or place, are restricted by the Florida Solar Rights Act. |
| Homeowner association restrictions | Homeowner associations (HOAs) cannot impose restrictions on the establishment of solar energy systems, consisting of restrictions on the size, location, or design of the system. |
| Covenants and conditions restrictions | Limitations enforced by covenants and conditions, such as those found in deeds or other property agreements, that avoid the installation of solar energy systems on a property are prohibited by the Florida Solar Rights Act. |
| Interference with solar access | No person or entity may immoderately disrupt the transmission of sunlight to a solar energy system, such as by planting trees or constructing buildings in a way that blocks the sun’s rays. |
What are the regulations on solar power systems in Florida Building Code?
The Florida Building Code covers vast areas, and solar power systems are among them.
But the code does not specifically emphasize any regulations on residential outdoor solar lighting systems but also those regulations can comply with the outdoor solar system as well.
| Regulations/ Requirements | Examples |
| Structural design requirements | Establishing solar panels on a roof with a gradient and wind load is appropriate for the design and size of the panels being installed. Use appropriate fastening systems and brackets to safeguard the solar panels to the roof or other support structure Secure that the support structure is strong enough to hold the weight of the panels, as well as any additional wind and weather loads |
| Electrical Code Requirements | Sizing electrical components such as inverters and circuit breakers based on the size and output of the solar panel arrayEstablishing electrical components in a secure and accessible location, such as a dedicated electrical room or equipment closet Connecting the solar panel array to the electrical grid through a dedicated circuit breaker, and making sure the circuit breaker is properly sizedGrounding the system to secure against electrical shock and fire |
| Fire Safety Requirements | Placing electrical components away from flammable materials and potential fire hazardsLabelling electrical components with the manufacturer’s name, voltage, and current ratingsInstalling fire-rated barriers around electrical components to prevent the spread of fire |
| Permitting requirements | Obtaining the required permits from the local building department before installing the solar power system Installing the system following local zoning and building codes, and making sure the installation is recommended by local authorities Submitting the required inspection reports and documentation to the local building department to certify compliance with local codes and regulations |
What are the specifications put on solar power systems in Florida Electrical Code?
- Electrical Equipment and System Design
You have to be concerned about the latest updates of National Electric codes and other local provisions specifications for establishing and designing your outdoor solar lighting system.
As well as making sure the sizing electrical components are used in your solar lighting system like circuit breakers and inverters which are appropriate to the size and output of the solar array.
Furthermore, you must ground your solar lighting system to ensure the system is against electric shock and fire hazards.
- Wiring Method
You should keep an eye on the wiring of the solar lighting system to ensure safety from electrical and physical hazards.
Furthermore, you should ensure the quality of electrical components and wiring of the solar system for inspection and maintenance.
- Overcurrent Protection
You need to install overcurrent protection equipment to your solar system where easily accessible and visible for maintenance and other activities.
What are the PV system approval criteria according to the FSEC Standard 203-17?
I have mentioned some general criteria mentioned in the Florida Solar Energy Center for approval of solar power systems.
You should ensure the overall electrical design and specified installation methods of solar power system must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
Furthermore, the major components of solar power systems must have the validation of product listing from Underwriters Laboratory or any other recommended laboratories.
You must certify the modules following the latest update of FSEC standard 202.
You should use the battery storage it must comply with the necessary codes and standards.
The overall solar power system and each component must have warranty information.
What are the PV Lighting system evaluation requirements according to the FSEC Standard 203-17?
Here I have mentioned the evaluation requirements for PV lighting systems according to FSEC standards. But the standards can also apply to residential outdoor solar lighting systems as well.
- Your solar lighting system must be supplied as a complete package with all wiring required for the establishment.
- Your solar lighting system must have an appropriate array-to-load ratio.
- All of the PV components in your PV system must be capable of withstanding temperatures of -200C to 450C and meeting local design wind patterns.
- Your supplier must provide the required information on the solar lighting system’s light output and run time according to the solar energy per day.
- Your solar system battery’s maximum allowable depth of discharge must not be beyond 50% of its capacity.
- Your solar lighting system lighting components, lamps and ballasts must be appropriate for outdoor use and have a minimum service life of three years.
Wrapping Things Up
Your solar lighting system installation in Florida is governed by several standards and codes, such as Florida Solar Rights Act, the Florida Building code, and Florida Solar energy Center. Among them, the FSEC plays a critical role in solar system regulation. As a resident of Florida, you have a responsibility to adhere to those regulations for the safeguarding of solar systems as well as your safety.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
