PV MED 206: ELECTRICAL AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, GETTING PERMITS & INSPECTION DONE ON THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

GOAL

This course will review the Electrical Regulations and Building Regulations in Nigeria. It will look at the processes involved in getting permits for building Solar systems and the follow up Inspection of the Solar energy systems built in Nigeria. Our aim here is to let all Solar Engineers /Project Managers practice safe installation and be aware of all the legal aspects of building Solar Energy Systems in Nigeria or anywhere in the world.

Learning objectives

1. Learn the Electrical Regulation in Nigeria and all Electric Standards as they relate to different Solar Energy Systems Packages in Nigeria i.e., from Residential Solar Roof Top Installation, Commercial Systems, Distributed Energy System, Utility Scale Grid Tied System, Solar Street Light, Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems, Carport etc.
2. Know all the necessary Permits needed for building Solar Energy Systems in Nigeria and how to get them.
3. Understand the processes involved in carrying out Inspection of Solar Systems built by the enforcement agents in Nigeria.

It is important to remember that each system is unique in its size and structure, therefore it is important to know that application of National Electric Codes to a photovoltaic array will differ from one system to another. In reviewing a permit, the enforcing agency applies state and local construction code requirements, as well as additional local requirements that apply to solar energy installations in that country. In many cases, the local agency must interpret how state requirements apply to certain buildings.