Our Work
SEAC members and partners are experts in the sustainable energy industry. Through inclusivity, collaboration, and open and honest communication, SEAC produces recommended practices and information for the benefit of all in the sustainable energy industry.
Acknowledgements
The Sustainable Energy Action Committee (SEAC) work was developed in collaboration with leading experts, some as lead authors, others as contributors and/or reviewers. These subject matter experts devoted time and talent to develop these documents. SEAC would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their contributions:
Series 1 – AB 2188 Requirements
Issue 1 – Single Inspection Guidelines for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Issue 2 – Methods to reduce follow-up inspections for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Issue 3 – Expedited PV Permitting Process Guidelines for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Issue 4 – Educational Resources for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Series 2 – Utility Interconnection Requirements
Issue 1 – Practices to improve the utility meter location (aka meter spot) process for existing one and two family dwelling rooftop solar energy systems
Issue 2 – Methods to improve main service panel upgrade requirements for one and two family dwelling rooftop solar energy systems
Issue 3 – Practices to improve rebate and interconnection processes for one and two family dwellings rooftop solar energy systems
Issue 4 – Methods to streamline interconnection processes for one and two family dwelling residential rooftop solar energy systems
Series 5 - Rapid Shutdown White Paper
2016 CEC – Photovoltaic System Requirements
This document provides guidance in applying the 2016 California Electrical Code (CEC) where a new Photovoltaic (PV) system is added to a premises having an existing PV system that was permitted and installed in accordance with a previously adopted code.
Series 6 – Storage Battery Requirements
Issue 1 – Checklist to improve the minimum submittal requirements for electrical plan review of a new interactive battery storage system
Issue 2 – Correction list to assist electrical plan review of a new interactive battery storage system
Issue 3 – Inspection Guideline to improve inspection procedures for a new interactive battery storage system
Series 8 - The benefits of earlier adoption of the National Electrical Code
SEAC Position statement on the benefits of earlier adoption of the NEC.
A more rapid adoption of the NEC would increase the safety, economy and efficiency of the solar and energy storage industries. Download the PDF to see the full position statement.
Series 10 - Recommendation: Elevated PV Support Structures
SEAC recommendation to the International Code Council (ICC) to improve the clarity of code requirements in the 2021 International Building Code for overhead photovoltaic (PV) support structures, also referred to as solar shade structures, which are commonly constructed over vehicle parking spaces.
Series 11 - Recommendation: Rooftop-mounted PV Panel Systems
SEAC recommendation to the International Code Council (ICC) to to provide exceptions in the 2021 International Building Code that clarify that elevated PV support structures can be installed on top of a multi-story parking garage under certain conditions without impacting restrictions on number of stories, height or area. Likewise, it is recommended that under certain conditions, rooftop-mounted PV systems do not cause a building to be noncompliant with these provisions.
Series 12 - Recommendation: Heat Detectors
SEAC recommendation to the International Code Council (ICC) to improve the clarity of code requirements in the 2021 International Fire Code for heat detectors in garages with energy storage systems (ESS).
Series 13 - Recommendation: Vehicle Impact
SEAC recommendation to the International Code Council (ICC) to clarify the requirements for protection of storage systems from vehicle impact in garages in the 2021 International Fire Code.
Series 14 - Comments on Proposals to UL 1973, Standard for Batteries for Use in Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light Electric Rail Applications
The following comments respond to proposals to UL 1973, Standard for Batteries for Use in Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light Electric Rail Applications. They are recommendations from the SEAC Storage Standards Working Group, approved by SEAC on July 22, 2021.
Series 15 -
Series 16 -