To ensure the success and legality of our proposed solar design, we identified local permits and codes for PV installation in Lincoln, Nebraska. These permits can be obtained for commercial buildings via the Department of Building and Safety. The codes are readily accessible from the International Code Council and the City of Lincoln website. 

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1.1. IDENTIFICATION OF AND APPROACH TO OBTAIN LOCAL PERMITS

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1.1.1. Building Permits 

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To construct the ground-mount and rooftop system on The University of Lincoln’s campus, we must obtain a building permit from the building official under Lincoln Building Code 20.06.070. A separate building permit is required for each of the 12 buildings and the field [1]. The necessary building permits can be found via Citizen Access on the City of Lincoln, Nebraska website [2]. Our permit application will include a site plan showing location of major components on the property.  

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1.1.2. Electrical Permits 

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In addition to the building permit, an electrical permit will also be required from the Department of Building and Safety. Similarly, the necessary electrical permits can be found via Citizen Access. An “electrical diagram showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, and AC connection to the building” will be uploaded to ensure they comply with the Lincoln Municipal Code [3]. An inspection will be requested and then completed by the building official or designee to enforce these provisions [4]. During this inspection, all guidelines outlined in 23.10.195 will be followed [5].  

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1.1.3. Interconnection Agreement 

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We will submit the proper interconnection application and agreement to the Lincoln Electric System. Details are outlined below in Section 1.1.4. [6] [7] [8] [9]. 

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1.1.4. Process to Obtain Permits 

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Step 1: Submit building and electrical permits via Citizen Access, a portal for submitting permits for Lincoln County. A site plan will be included showing property lines, existing structures, and proposed PV location. 

Step 2: Submit “Application for Electric Service with the Authority Having Jurisdiction” and “Application for Review of Interconnection” with LES. 

Step 3: Once the building permit and applications are approved by the City of Lincoln and LES, construction can begin.  

Step 4: Schedule inspection with the City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety.  

Step 5: After inspection approval from the City of Lincoln, notify Lincoln Electric System and complete “Generating Facilities in Excess of 100 kW Interconnection Agreement”. 

Step 6: Once the system has passed electric inspection, the system can be activated. 

 

1.2. IDENTIFICATION AND APPROACH TO COMPLY WITH CODES

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1.2.1. National Electric Code (NEC) 

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The National Electric Code addresses photovoltaic electrical energy systems in Article 690 [10]. The NEC outlines installation, equipment, and overall design requirements. Details include grouping, module connections, circuit routing, ground-fault protection, circuit requirements, disconnections, and storage batteries. Compliance with the 2017 NEC is demonstrated by our conceptual design and distribution system. Nebraska is still operating on the 2017 National Electric Code [11].  

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1.2.2. International Building Code (IBC) 

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The IBC provides regulations for commercial construction for basic protection. Relevant articles include “flashing and attachments,” “fire considerations,” and “structural loading considerations.” For example, from IBC Article 1509.7.2., “rooftop-mounted PV systems must not diminish the fire classification of the roof system.” From IBC Section 3403, the installed PV system will still abide by the IBC in the same manner the building was prior [12]. Nebraska has adopted the 2018 edition of the International Building Code [13]. 

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1.2.3. International Fire Code (IFC) 

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The International Fire Code regulates property from fires and explosions. The modules will be located with a pathway for firefighters. Compliance with the IFC is seen in the conceptual design [14]. 

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