by Brianna Crandall — July 16, 2014—SolarDock announced last week that its solar racking systems combined with Motech panels are the first and only system to achieve compliance with new, industry-altering fire test regulations recently enacted by the State of California, the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations).
SolarDock achieved its Class A Fire Rating and brings a tested system by combining with the Motech Class C panel to rate as a Class A fire rated system. This configuration is said to be the industry’s only high-performance solar power system to achieve a Class A Fire Rating under the UL 1703/2703 Fire Performance Tests that meets all the IBC 2012 and 2015 code requirements for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and California new building code requirements, which become mandatory January 1, 2015.
Dave Holleran, Senior Manager of Module Sales for Motech Americas, added, “This is a major development for solar installers in California, and with some 20 more states expected to enact similar regulations in the near future, the playing field is shifting rapidly. Even though the official compliance date isn’t until 2015, by adopting this change now, installers generally can get a real head start on being more commercially established in the new regulations as this development spreads across the country.”
According to the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards, in the last few years fire and code officials, along with members of the roofing industry, have expressed concerns that installation of photovoltaic (PV) modules in stand-off configuration over typical roof coverings may impact the fire resistance of the roof coverings. For that reason, and with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) developed a test plan to investigate the fire-resistance properties of this configuration. More specifics are available online.
For more than 12 years, SolarDock has been recognized among leading integrators, distributors and site owners as a premier choice in fully non-penetrating, flat-roof solar racking systems. SolarDock’s commitment to safety and durability is demonstrated by its TUV Certification, 25-year warranty, and extensive wind testing and analysis. SolarDock is available in Canada through a licensing agreement with Sunrise Power.
Motech Americas is an experienced solar module provider, with more than 20 years of expertise. The company works to provide a global source of clean and renewable energy, and strives to create a sustainable environment for future generations. Motech is said to be the world’s fifth largest solar cell manufacturer, providing complete control over its supply chain and access to ensure superior cell products.
