SLO COUNTY BUILDING DEPARTMENT EXPERTISE GAP |
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| This is a subsection of a web site cataloging the many problems we have had obtaining building permits in the County of San Luis Obispo. Here is the main page. This page was last updated 8/4/2025. |
| Our specialty is design and installation of off-grid solar power systems. I started installing solar electric in 1984 when grid-tied technology was not available. Off-grid systems are more complicated than modern grid-tied only systems. We have excelled in the field by virtue of studying the equipment codes and industry resources. We have installed over 60 off-grid systems. Here is a link to our portfolio page. |
| I personally prepare all plan sets for submission for permitting. I understand the necessity of building department plan checkers reviewing our installation plans. Occasionally I will leave off a detail and I am happy to fill in requested information. |
| Matt Varvel has been reviewing our plans for some years now and it is obvious he is not qualified to do so. This would not be a problem if Varvel recognized this fact. Indeed I would be happy to coach him. However when Varvel does not understand what we are proposing rather than asking for clarification he demands we make changes to a system that is correct. Below are but a few examples. |
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2 Remove the feed from the gen panel to the inverter panel 3 Remove the feed from the inverter panel to the utility panel. |
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2 / 3. I am not sure why you would have me remove these leads. These are part of a standard bypass system. The customer is paying extra to have power backup capabilities and these leads provide system redundancy. I have inserted a page from the Radian manual in the plan set to clarify. The bypass can be located either in the factory provided load center, or to prevent crowding, we have moved the bypass to an outboard panel. I amended the plan set to note the bypass interlock. Please reconsider your request that we remove these leads and verify that we will be permitted to provide bypass capabilities on this project. |
| Diagram as marked up by Varvel. The circle-slash mark was put in by Varvel to indicate leads he did not think were correct. They are absolutely necessary. |
| Diagram from the installation manual I sent to Varvel to try and convince him I know what I am doing. |
| I get that this is complicated. Varvel did not need to demand I remove necessary leads. He could have written me to ask what purpose the leads served and are they necessary? |
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justify sending one conductor to one panel and another conductor to another panel from each inverter. Correct the SLD and provide information to support the inverters feeding 2 locations. |
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It is apparent the reviewer does not understand how these systems are wired. Please refer to Example 1-line in Sheet set 14Z-HUFFMAN DATA SHEETS V2 and refer to directional arrows in original AC-1 line drawing. See manual uploaded. |
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I understand that inverters and charge controller may have multiple sources tying into them. |
What I did not say: I don't think Varvel does understand. If he did he would not have asked me to justify the necessary power flow leads. If he did he would understand that inverters can have a multiple inputs but charge controllers do not. |
| This is the exact same issue as presented on 10/21/2015: Varvel's wording is a little bit more civil but it is apparent he does not know off-grid systems. It is frustrating to be judged by someone who cannot seem to learn his trade. SLO County needs to either hire a competent plan checker or hire a third-party plan checking contractor with the needed expertise. |
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9 Provide a complete cut sheet for the inverters. What is the maximum dc input current? |
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Complete data sheet was included. The value requested is not relevant and not provided by manufacturers. It appears the reviewer is confusing battery inverters with non-battery |
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12 Justify taking an equipment ground to one panel but a feeder to another panel from the generator. |
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The routing of the generator bond is the shortest connection to the sole N-G bond point and is best practice. |
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14 Where is the brain to the system? Inverter as a Master that the generator is tied into. The balance of the inverters are typically "slaves" to the "master" inverter. |
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Pleases clarify this request as it makes no sense. The generator must be connected to all inverters. Master/Slave is outdated vernacular, instead use Primary/Secondary. Allocation of Inverter comm assignments is not relevant to electrical safety or code compliance. |
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13 Provide the manufacturer's suggested wiring diagram for an off-grid system. |
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This should not be necessary if plan checker understood how these systems work. As a courtesy an example is included in set, 14Z-HUFFMAN DATA SHEETS V2, Sheet Title: EXAMPLE AC POWER FLOW. |
| I hope the reader can see a pattern here... |