This section describes the different types of solar energy and how they are used in massachusetts.
Residential roof setback requirements solar massachusett.
Patrick governor maeve valley bartlett secretary meg lusardi acting commissioner solar pv permitting and safety webinar model permitting and safety for solar pv in massachusetts 1 emma krause rooftop solar challenge coordinator doer.
However the experts agree that massachusetts is an excellent location for solar systems.
The bbrs regularly updates the state building codes as new information and technology becomes available and change is warranted.
An active solar energy system that occupies 1 750.
Solar energy system small scale.
Roof setbacks from ridge for ventilation relaxed from 36 inches to 18 inches for solar systems that take up less than 1 3 of the plan view total roof area.
Equipment listing requirements relocated from section r324 3 to r324 3 1 to consolidate in one location these requirements.
These updates are listed here.
Many people have the misconception that solar pv systems do not work in massachusetts due to new england s diverse weather conditions.
R324 6 roof access and pathways.
Zoning subdivision control and nonzoning alternatives 4th ed wolters kluwer law business 2018 with supplement.
Solar energy system roof mounted.
For homes with sprinkler systems if the system takes up less than 2 3 of the plan view total roof area the setback for ridge ventilation is also relaxed to 18 inches.
Handbook of massachusetts land use and planning law.
Access and minimum spacing shall be required to provide.
Massachusetts municipal law 2nd ed mcle looseleaf chapter 29 land use regulations.
The access pathway shall be located at a structurally strong location on the building capable of supporting the live load of fire fighters accessing the roof.
Full text of the california residential code regarding the access and pathways for residential single and two family dwellings.
Flashing of roof penetrations for rooftop mounted photovoltaic systems section r909 3 is addressed in section r324 4 3.
These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal 2 12 or less.
May be of any size small medium or large scale.
The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof.
An active solar energy system that is structurally mounted to the roof of a building or structure.
The massachusetts state building code consists of a series of international model codes and any state specific amendments adopted by the board of building regulation and standards bbrs.
