#ahj review

[smartenergysolutions]

Empowering Businesses with Commercial Solar Solutions: Design, Installation, and Maintenance

Commercial solar systems are a popular option for businesses that want to reduce their energy costs and boost their green image. They also have the potential to increase property values.

The process of going solar for a business involves a detailed evaluation of the facility’s structures and determining its energy usage. This information is used to create a formal design of the solar system.

Smart Energy Solutions

When it comes to installing solar power, picking the right team matters. You want folks who know what they’re doing, use great materials, and stick around if you need them later. This means checking their licenses, insurance, and experience, as well as learning about the types of equipment they offer and what kind of financing they have.

A top installer will also understand that no two roofs or pieces of land are the same. They’ll be able to craft solar power setups that fit your space like a suit tailored just for you.

Smart Energy Solutions is a Long Island, NY-based solar energy company with a proven track record of helping residential clients save on their utility bills. They’re also committed to using quality PV panels, inverters, and battery back-up systems that help their clients achieve their goals. They’re a certified solar provider with 40 years of experience and have earned a reputation for excellence in their industry.

Design

Commercial solar installation services provide a valuable service to businesses that want to reduce their dependence on energy from non-renewable sources. They can also help lower electrical costs and carbon footprints. These benefits have prompted more companies to embrace sustainable energy solutions.

The design of the system involves choosing specific panels, inverters, and mounting hardware, depending on owner goals. It also includes determining how much power the system can produce. Software can aid the process by estimating and optimizing energy yield based on a number of factors like row spacing, panel tilt, and solar irradiance.

The design stage must also be accompanied by permitting and other regulatory processes. The engineering firm will often manage this process on behalf of the client, ensuring that all necessary information is submitted to the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) for review. Getting the project designed and approved quickly can also help qualify for financial incentives sooner. Lastly, the installation stage includes the actual process of putting the solar panels in place on rooftops or ground-mounted arrays.

Installation

Commercial solar refers to the use of solar power for businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations. It is a different market from residential solar and requires specialized knowledge to ensure a successful deployment. It also offers unique incentives for organizations that choose to go green, including the federal investment tax credit and MACRS depreciation.

To compete in this market, it is important to gain credibility and demonstrate your experience with a high number of referrals from past clients. Attending trade shows and networking events can help build relationships with business owners who are considering switching to solar.

Unlike residential systems, commercial installations are usually larger and require a longer installation process. Once the system is in place, maintenance and monitoring services are key to ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. You should look for a company that has extensive maintenance and O&M resources, and is experienced with large commercial projects. This can include a comprehensive warranty, preventative maintenance, and periodic performance reviews.

Maintenance

When commercial solar panels are not properly maintained, they may begin to experience a drop in electricity production. This can be a sign that there is an issue with the system’s communication circuit, which could be caused by a variety of factors. If you notice a decline in your energy output, it’s important to contact a maintenance service for inspection and cleaning.

A preventative maintenance plan is key to the success of your commercial solar power system. It should include physical assessments, solar system performance monitoring and reporting, and warranty and support services. A well-crafted PV O&M strategy will optimize performance and accelerate the investment payback of your solar project.

A good O&M team will utilize a central platform for managing maintenance requests and dispatching field teams. This will ensure that maintenance requests are fulfilled as quickly and efficiently as possible. This will prevent performance issues, increase system reliability and reduce operational costs. Also, it will help maintain optimal production and extend the lifespan of your PV installation.

[vishtikblogs]

Solar Permit Design

98% First Pass Review Rate

Maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness with Vishtik’s Solar Permit Design—delivering swift, comprehensive designs, engineering expertise, and guaranteed AHJ compliance at competitive rates, all within 12 hours.

Read More: https://vishtik.com/solar-permit-design-2/

For More Details Contact Us:

+1 (307) 363- 9738

solardesign@vishtik.com

[reliablesolar]

How to Choose the Right Commercial Solar System for Your Business

When it comes to having a commercial solar system installed, there are a number of factors to consider. Some of them include whether you want it to be grid-tied or off-grid, and how much maintenance and permitting will be required.

Grid-tie

Grid-tie commercial solar system is a photovoltaic system that connects to the power grid. It's an efficient system that can save you money on your monthly energy bills. With a proper design, you may be able to get zero net electricity usage charges.

When you choose to go with a grid-tie system, you can have the option to import and export power. This lets you use your own electricity and also sell any surplus power to your utility company. You can then put that credit toward your electricity bill.

One benefit to grid-tie solar systems is that you won't have to worry about running out of power in the middle of the night. The system is designed to shut off automatically when there isn't enough sunlight for your solar panels to produce power. In addition, you won't have to pay for a backup battery system.

Hybrid

Hybrid commercial solar systems offer a number of advantages and benefits. They provide a safety net during power outages, provide a guaranteed electricity supply, reduce your dependence on the utility grid, and provide a scalable energy source for future needs.

In addition to the typical components found in a grid-tied system, hybrid systems incorporate the latest advancements in battery technology. Lithium batteries are not only smaller and less bulky than traditional batteries, but they also have better energy storage capabilities.

The main advantage of a hybrid system is that it can reduce your dependence on the utility grid. As a result, you have more control over your electricity use. And, with clever controls, you can maximize your usage of the solar power your system generates.

Another advantage of a hybrid system is that you will have a battery backup - a nice perk when the weather is not cooperating. During outages, your system will keep the lights on and the refrigerator running.

Permitting

Permitting a commercial solar system can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It's important to have a complete understanding of the requirements. This can help ensure a smooth installation.

First, a local utility may need to conduct an on-site inspection of the site for the installation. They will also require a wiring diagram and spec sheet.

Next, the installation contractor will obtain the required permits. They will include the cost of the permit in the total cost of the system. Depending on the jurisdiction, the cost of a solar permit could be a few hundred dollars.

Finally, the AHJ will review the solar permit application and approve or deny it. The process may take a day, a week or more.

While the process is complex, the actual permit can be as simple as sending an email to your local utility. Some towns have made the permitting process automated.

Maintenance

If you are thinking about investing in a commercial solar system for your business, you will want to make sure you are protecting your investment. A properly installed system should be in good condition for many years. However, it is important to maintain it regularly to ensure that it performs at its best.

The best way to ensure your system operates at its best is to perform routine inspections and maintenance. There are a number of factors that can impact a solar energy system's performance.

Solar panels are relatively inexpensive, but they may degrade over time if not maintained correctly. For example, a thick film of dust can severely impact the panel's ability to capture sunlight. This is why it is a good idea to have a professional clean your panels each year.

Off-grid

An off-grid commercial solar system is a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs. It can also be an environmentally friendly way to run your business. Whether you are a large corporation or a small business, an off-grid system can help you lower your power bill.

Unlike on-grid solar systems, off-grid systems are independent of the utility grid. They are designed to produce excess electricity during the day, and store the power in batteries. The stored energy can be used during the night.

Off-grid solar systems are ideal for those living in rural areas, and for businesses that are not connected to the electric grid. However, they are not for those living in urban areas. While they are often less expensive than on-grid systems, they are still more expensive than traditional grid-connected systems.

[pompadourpink]

-oy- words

Let's highlight a pronunciation problem I see a lot: today we are talking about -oy- which many people treat as a diaeresis. A diaeresis (or trema) is the symbol ¨, two little dots over a letter. In French, they only appear over certain vowels themselves placed after a first vowel, and mean that you have to pronounce one letter after the other. That way, Mais (But) is pronounced Meh but Maïs (Corn) is pronounced Ma-ee-ss. And -oy- somehow is often pronounced o-yee for no reason: you should say Wa-yee.

Ex: Voyage > V-wa-y(ee)ahj, not Vo-yee-ahj.

Here's a list of the most common words that contain it.

Aboyer - Barking

Boyaux, m - Guts

Broyer - Crushing

Choyer - Pampering

Citoyenneté, f - Citizenship

Clairvoyance, f - Clear-sightedness

Croyance, f - Belief

Déployer - Spreading, deploying, expending

Doyen-ne - Dean, oldest member

Employeur, m - Employer

Envoyer - Sending

Foyer, m - Household, hearth

Incroyable - Incredible

Joyau, m - Gem

Joyeux/euse - Cheerful

Larmoyer - Getting teary

Loyauté, f - Loyalty

Malvoyant-e - Visually impaired

Moyen, m - Way, Means

Moyenne, f - Average

Noyade, f - Drowning

Noyau, m - Pit, stone, nucleus, core

Nettoyage, m - Cleaning

Octroyer - Granting to someone

Pitoyable - Pitiful

Plaidoyer, m - Speech for the defense (law)

Prévoyance, f - Foresight

Renvoyer - Sending back, firing

Royaume, m - Kingdom

Royauté, f - Royalty

Se fourvoyer - Being misguided

Tournoyer - Spinning, whirling, wheeling/swirling around

Tutoyer - Using Tu

Vouvoyer - Using Vous

Voyager - Travelling

Voyant-e - Flashy

N.B.: The rule doesn't apply to words borrowed from English (Boycott)

Fanmail - masterlist (2016-) - archives - hire me - reviews (2020-) - Drive

[smokealarminstallation]

How to Get the Best Price for Smoke Alarm Servicing

When hiring a company for smoke alarm servicing, make sure you get full transparency in your price. You should know the price of every single smoke alarm replacement you need, as well as the servicing fees for it. You should know when to replace your smoke alarms — when they have expired, become damaged, or are missing. An experienced service team will ensure full transparency. But how do you know if you’re getting the best price? Here are a few tips:

Salt Electrical

If you want to have your smoke alarms professionally serviced or installed, contact Salt Electrical. This family owned and operated business has been providing residential, industrial, and commercial electrical services for more than 60 years. Whether you have one smoke alarm in your house or several thousand, Salt Electrical has you covered. They are licensed to handle large projects. The SALT team can visit your property every six to 12 months to perform maintenance and repairs. To learn more about the benefits of having your smoke alarms serviced by SALT Electrical, read on.

Licensed journeyman electricians must have NICET Fire Alarm Certification level 3 certification within the past 12 months. Smoke alarms should be installed on ceilings away from corners and heat sources. CO detectors need to be tested at least once a month, and batteries should be changed every couple of years. You can also ask your friends for references or use the internet to find reviews of Salt Electrical smoke alarm servicing. Look for companies with written guarantees for their work and customer service. These companies will focus on the safety of the residents.

Impact Fire Services

If you’re looking for a comprehensive fire alarm service, consider Impact Fire Services. Our team of certified technicians will handle everything from regular inspections to large-scale upgrades. From basic smoke alarm servicing to installing kitchen suppression systems, we’ll help keep your property safe and your fire alarms up to code. Our project managers are NICET-certified fire alarm specialists, with knowledge of NFPA codes and local AHJ requirements.

We can provide your facility with a comprehensive fire detection and suppression system, designed specifically for your building’s needs. Whether your building has one or multiple buildings, our technicians can provide the best solution for your needs. We’ll even inspect your existing fire alarm system to ensure that it’s working properly and meets regulations. When you choose Impact Fire Services for your smoke alarm servicing, you’ll get peace of mind that your system is in good hands.

Safety and Swift Smoke Alarms

Fire alarms are a necessary piece of property safety. They provide around-the-clock notification of fires, giving employees and clients time to evacuate and seek safety. Fire Systems of Michigan provides top-quality fire alarm servicing and repairs. The company has over four decades of experience serving clients throughout Michigan. They are also certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the IDPH. For more information, please visit their website.

Fire-safety professionals from Safety and Swift will check and service your smoke alarms. It is a simple process to test your smoke detector. If it is battery-powered, install new batteries. If you have a hard-wired unit, replace the hardwired unit with a new one. Make sure to check the date label as well, as this is a reliable way to determine the battery life of your smoke alarms.

Detector inspectors

When selling a property, it is necessary to obtain a smoke certificate from the local fire department. This certificate verifies that the property has a functional smoke alarm system. It is important to have a smoke detector serviced annually to maintain its safety. Detector inspectors will also check that the smoke detectors have been properly installed and are in good repair. You can also request for monthly inspections from a detector service company.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s Smoke Alarm Service Guidelines dictate the frequency of the inspection. Smoke alarms should be inspected regularly and tested according to manufacturer instructions. They should also be cleaned and changed every year. Most alarms have a 10 year life span, after which they must be replaced. Photoelectric smoke alarms should be used. New legislation mandates testing for both electrical and gas appliances. Detector inspectors are qualified to perform this testing for both types of devices.

[hvsolarau]

Solar Power Installation in Newcastle - What You Need to Know

If you've been thinking about installing solar panels on your roof or large surface to generate electricity for your home or business, this article will give you the details you need to know. You'll also learn about costs, permits, and battery storage. Ultimately, this project can help you lower your energy bills and become self-sufficient. Listed below are the steps you need to take to get started. This is a great way to save money while still living the dream!

Installing solar panels on roofs or other large surfaces to generate electricity for homes or businesses

Installing solar panels on roofs or other larger surfaces to generate electricity for homes or businesses is possible, but it requires proper planning. The right solar system size depends on a variety of factors, including the energy usage of your home, the square footage of your roof, and the amount of sunlight received by your property. Most homeowners in Maine choose high-rated panels that produce more electricity. A high-efficiency panel also means you need fewer panels.

Another benefit of solar power Newcastle is that they reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional electricity comes from fossil fuels, which emit gases that contribute to air pollution and global climate change. Because fossil fuels are finite resources, their prices fluctuate constantly and can increase significantly. Hence, solar panels are an excellent solution for homes and businesses that want to make a positive contribution to the environment.

Costs

Solar panels and related equipment are the most expensive part of a solar power installation. They can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the type and number of panels. The hardware itself is only about 25% of the total cost. The other 55% of the cost is comprised of soft costs, such as permits, overhead, and sales tax. Of course, the more complicated the installation, the higher the cost will be. Let's look at some common soft costs associated with solar installations.

Costs of solar power installation can be influenced by government trade policies. In the past decade, changes in tariffs have increased the cost of solar. In 2018, tariffs resulted in an increase of 16 cents per watt for the average consumer, which translated to a $960 hike for a six-kW system. President Biden recently put a two-year pause on new tariffs for solar equipment.

Permits

The process of getting permits for solar power installation in many cities and towns begins with contacting your local electric utility. These entities, also known as "Authority Having Jurisdictions" (AHJs), are responsible for monitoring the safety of new construction. They typically are the city or county building department, but may have additional entities that oversee construction. In many jurisdictions, homeowners and installing contractors must notify their utility of the successful installation of their solar panels and energy storage system.

The permitting process can be lengthy and time-consuming. To make it easier, you can seek the help of third-party services that manage the permitting process for a flat fee. Once you've submitted your solar permit application, your utility company and AHJ will review it. If they find any problems, they will communicate with you and give you the necessary information to resolve them. The process can take several days, so be sure to double check your application before submitting it.

Battery storage

If you are interested in installing solar panels but are worried about high utility bills, you might want to consider battery storage. Solar panels and battery storage can work together to eliminate your reliance on the utility. In fact, you can even store the extra energy for emergency purposes, reducing your monthly utility bill significantly. And it's much safer than using small generators. However, battery storage is essential for a solar-powered off-grid home.

In addition to federal tax incentives, state programs are also available to help you offset the cost of your solar and battery storage system. In many cases, these state incentives stack with the federal incentive, meaning your savings are doubled! Take advantage of the various tax incentives available to you by researching the benefits of solar and battery storage systems. They are available in your state or region, and your solar contractor can help you find out more about them and submit the necessary documentation.

Maintenance

When you install solar panels on your roof, the installation process involves periodic inspections, cleaning, and repair work. During these visits, the installer will also check the DC isolator for water. The DC isolator can be a safety hazard, so it is important to know what to do if it leaks water. In addition to monitoring your panels for problems, a solar energy system should be fully maintained to maximize their output.

Performing regular checks on your solar panel array is essential to ensure that it is operating at peak performance. And because solar panels are non-removable, you should also avoid letting animals and people get near your solar power system. You can monitor the production by looking at the software or checking the electricity bill. You should also check the wiring, since these systems can be susceptible to deterioration. You can even get software that displays historical production data. Keeping an eye on your solar panel array can help you avoid these problems.

[advancedsolartechnology]

Solar Power Installation Basics

Before you choose the right solar power installation company, make sure you know the basics. We'll discuss how to calculate the total cost of the installation, explain financing options, and deal with municipal approvals and permits. We'll also cover how to handle warranties and workmanship guarantees. And of course, we'll discuss how to calculate the return on your investment (ROI) when installing solar power. Read on! This article covers all of these important topics and more.

Explaining financing options for solar power installation

If you're interested in getting a solar power installation but don't have the funds to purchase the panels, leasing may be an option. This type of financing does not require upfront payments and can save you anywhere from 10% to 30% on your energy bills. In addition, leasing does not include the solar panels, so you'll likely not receive any federal solar tax credits, and you won't have the benefit of property value enhancement from installing solar panels. In fact, solar installations are typically 3 to 4 percent more expensive than homes that do not have them.

If you don't have the funds to purchase a solar panel system, another option is to apply for a home equity loan. These loans are available for solar panel installation costs and are similar to home improvement loans. They may be easy to obtain and can save you significant amounts of money over the life of the panels. You can apply for a solar loan from a solar panel installation company or bank. If you're unsure of whether or not a solar loan is right for you, ask a solar installation professional.

Explaining warranties and workmanship guarantees for solar power installations

When it comes to securing a warranty for your new solar power installation, knowing what you're getting is crucial. Just like a warranty for consumer electronics, a solar power installation warranty ensures that the solar panel array will not break within a certain period of time. Most consumer electronics products come with one year of coverage as standard. But there are extended warranties for PV products, which will offer even longer coverage.

A warranty for a solar panel will cover any defects in the manufacturing and installation of the Panel. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the panel. This warranty is not applicable to the solar installation company, but only to the solar panel itself. When comparing panels, it's best to select a system that has a minimum warranty of ten years. If the warranty is less than 10 years, it's best to purchase a higher quality panel with a longer warranty period.

Handling permits, applications, and municipal approvals for solar power installations

Solar permit applications can be time-consuming and costly. It may also require specialized engineering or research by a licensed professional. Utility companies or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will review the application and provide feedback. If any issues are discovered, the homeowner can resubmit the application. However, the entire process can take a few days, so it's wise to double-check your application before submitting it.

Handling permits, applications, and municipal approval process is essential to the success of your solar installation. Local government permitting authorities are becoming increasingly cautious with solar energy installations and have stricter regulations. It's best to plan extra time for the installation to ensure proper compliance with building codes. However, new policies and regulations can snag the solar permitting process, increasing the overall cost of the installation. Luckily, there are ways to reduce these expenses and speed up the permit process.

Calculating total cost of solar power installation

If you want to calculate the cost of a solar power Perth, you should use the following calculators. Some of these are based on a satellite image of the roof, while others are based on your electricity bills. These calculators will not give you a sample price, but they will give you a general idea of what your solar system will cost. Some calculators will also include incentives, which can create significant savings. If you're looking for an accurate estimate of what you will pay, you can use FindSolar's calculator. The calculator will use the amount of sun your house receives and how much your power bill is each month to determine the size of your solar system.

A few other factors play a role in calculating the total cost of solar power installation. For example, the roof of your house may be sloping 30 degrees or more. If your roof is sloped properly, the solar installers will be able to install the panels in a single plane, which will decrease the cost of the installation. Similarly, a roof with a dormer or multiple levels will require additional equipment and installation costs.

[ainajoom]

THE IMPORTANCE OF A FIRE SAFETY PLAN AT YOUR FACILITY

Fires affect thousands of companies each year resulting in injury, lost customer trust and building damage. By establishing a fire prevention and preparedness program, with the help of a fire safety and protection company,  you can help avoid injuries to your employees and visitors, costly damages, and potential fines to your business. ANAT provides the Fire safety equipment like fire alarm, fire fighting services and MEP Services.

Below are some best practices to help prepare your facility for a fire emergency.

Implement a Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan – Emergency response is easier when everyone knows their respective responsibilities. Establish a detailed fire emergency evacuation plan that dictates how to respond, when to respond, and identifies a path of egress. If employees have special needs or require special attention, address these details in the plan.

Establish a Fire Prevention Plan – A fire prevention plan provides facilities with documentation outlining the employees responsible for identifying combustible materials, fire hazards and heat-producing equipment. It also outlines the procedures necessary to prevent potential emergencies. The fire prevention plan should be communicated with all employees and available in writing for review at any time.

Train Team Members – On an annual basis, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and NFPA require fire extinguisher training for employees. Every employee should receive required training and be briefed on new or updated regulations.

Maintain Emergency and Exit Lights – To ensure paths of egress and exits stay illuminated at all times, implement a routine maintenance plan to check lights and replace broken or burnt out bulbs. In addition, regularly test emergency backup power and exit lights to confirm they are functioning.

Practice Proper Housekeeping Techniques – Daily housekeeping tasks play an important role in keeping facilities clear of fire hazards. Make sure trash and packing materials are in metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Clean up flammable materials immediately, including chemical spills and oil to reduce the risk of fire. Likewise, extra storage and equipment should be in proper storage areas clear of aisles or fire exits and not interfering with automatic sprinkler systems.

Create a Fire Emergency Response Team – Develop a team of individuals who are trained and educated in fire emergency plan procedures and are willing to enforce fire safety and prevention methods throughout the building. ANAT is the fire safety company in Ajman, UAE. The team members will assist others during a fire emergency and help guide people to safety.

Preventative Maintenance – Enlisting a licensed and certified fire protection company provides facility managers with quality inspections, safety tests and repairs to fire protection equipment. Establish frequencies as outlined in NFPA code by the equipment manufacturer and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

By following these guidelines you can be sure your facility and your employees will be prepared in a fire emergency and be able to react properly and safely.

[livvyofthelake]

how do u pronounce homage, though 👀

oh thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about this random bit of information i became very knowledgeable on last night! right so i’ve always pronounced it like “oh-mahj”, which is the french way of pronouncing it, i am not nor have i ever been french, so it’s admittedly a bit weird that i say it like that. idk. anyway, my dad was pronouncing it like “hom-ahj” with the h, which i think sounds ugly as hell. and apparently the correct way of american pronunciation is “ah-mahj” without saying the h. my authority for all this comes from this video, which is from a french guy, and the word is french in origins, so i trust him

but ultimately all three of those are valid ways of saying that word, and it’s a word you’ll use maybe once every six months unless you like, review movies on youtube. so it’s all very pointless.

anyway it only came up because we were talking about riverdale’s the midnight club, and my dad was saying it was copying the breakfast club, and i was saying it was an homage. anyway it’s not my problem that he couldn’t appreciate one of the greatest 45 minutes of television ever produced, and had to resort to nitpicking my pronunciation to avoid losing an argument. i would now like to direct your attention to this tiktok about the breakfast club that i think is speaking straight up facts <3

[csrgood]

Safety by Design: Safe Projects From Concept to Facility Operation

Originally published by CRB

Lindsay Kenney, Associate, Core Team Leader Matt Heritage, Regional EHS Manager

Everyone involved in a construction project has their own skillset, knowledge base, and experience. Each position looks at a project through a unique lens. Designers and architects look at what is being built, construction managers look at how to build it, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals look at how to build it safely.

Historically, when companies wanted something built, one team designed it and another team built it. There was only as much cross-communication as was needed to get the job done. It was up to the trade companies who actually swung the hammers to figure out how to do it without hurting someone.

Unfortunately, this method leaves a lot of room for error. Regulatory standards can be missed during design, workers can be forced into dangerous situations, and efficiency suffers. This all adds up to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and increased costs from higher premiums, fines, and settlements.

“I’ve walked into many facilities over the years and found problems built into the facility. Code violations, regulatory violations, unsafe conditions, you name it. It’s disturbing how many builders unknowingly (or knowingly) leave these pitfalls for their clients after turnover.” - Matt Heritage

The good news is that this is easily fixed. You can have the best of both worlds: projects that are budget-friendly and efficient without sacrificing any safety or quality. Safety by Design is a method of collaboration that brings design, EHS, and teams together to ensure that facilities are safe to build and safe to use. Here’s how we do it at CRB and how you can implement this approach.

Safety collaboration from conception through facility turnover At CRB, we believe that a successful design is more than a beautiful building. We believe that the journey is as important as the destination. Why? Because the journey is where we save our workers’ lives and livelihood. It’s where we ensure the product the client receives is the best possible investment quality wise. And ultimately, the journey is where we save our clients’ money. This is Safety by Design.

In order to achieve this, CRB uses full team collaboration during every phase of each project. We know that everyone has something to bring to the table, and the sooner their experience can be put to use in the project, the better for everyone involved. When CRB designs a project, we don’t just look at structural integrity, we look at how the workers can build it safely.

CRB’s EHS team doesn’t just sit around on project sites checking permits and looking for hazards. At CRB they do so much more. Our EHS team works closely with CRB’s design group. The two teams collaborate constantly to ensure nothing is missed when it comes to regulatory standards, worker safety, or environmental considerations

From adding well-placed fall protection anchors for steel workers to designing dust mitigation strategies for workers’ health and clean-build protocols, CRB always endeavors to ensure the entire construction process is as safe as possible.

An example of our commitment to our Safety by Design philosophy happened on a recent project. Our original designs lacked sufficient access and egress for confined spaces in parts of the facility. This could have become a real safety issue both during construction and after the facility was turned over to the client. It also violated regulatory standards, which could have landed the client in hot water down the road.

However, because our EHS department and construction team were involved from the start, they caught the problem and fixed it before it became an issue. Everyone put their heads together and found a great solution that saved time, money, and potentially lives.

Ultimately, every project is unique, meaning that each involves its own set of challenges (safety and otherwise). Given the variety of concerns and issues you may run into, having experienced veterans of the trade at the table too is invaluable. Leveraging their expertise will cut out unnecessary research, decision-making, and second-guessing.

We’re currently guiding a client’s project team as they make decisions about their alarm system—what kind of alarms to install, what strobe lights are ideal, and how best to tie all of it into their existing system. It’s saving them a lot of time and money and giving them greater confidence that their finished facility will be exactly as it should be. Without our design, EHS, and construction teams working closely with the client from the start, they would have missed out on some golden opportunities to save money and increase the safety and efficiency of their investment.

How do we approach Safety by Design? In order to reap the true rewards of this system, you have to start with a focus on safety, collaboration, and communication that permeates the entire project.

Safety It might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes the most obvious factors are the easiest to overlook.

In any complex project, establishing priorities is essential. If you emphasize efficiency or low costs while not making safety a priority, then you can expect incidents. Make safety a high priority from the beginning, and lead by example. This can be as simple as a daily safety brief during the build phase. Start each day showing your trade workers you take safety seriously.

This can also mean ensuring your construction management team knows regulatory standards. Consider providing training to your team so everyone is knowledgeable about relevant codes and requirements. If the construction team knows the guidelines—like how wide a hallway should be—and they’re given the authority to speak up, they can help by being a last line of defense against a costly mistake, design flaw, or code violation.

Efficiency matters, budget matters, quality matters—and safety matters, too. Make that abundantly clear right from the start, and then carry it through to turnover and beyond.

Collaboration In order to get the most out of the varied skills and perspectives of different teams, silos have to come down. Get the design team, the EHS team, the project team, and even the local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) all sitting at the same table from the beginning.

Every group and every individual has the potential to offer valuable input. Don’t leave anyone out. Tear down walls and build bridges. CRB proves this works by consistently being an industry leader in worker safety, design innovation, and customer satisfaction.

This collaboration and communication needs to happen in every phase of the project, from the beginning to the end. At CRB, we involve our design, EHS, and construction team in every phase. Constructability reviews and input happen during the design stage as well as design reviews of contractor scopes and work plans.

For instance, we often have our engineers review the work plan for passivation of the sanitary piping systems—a process of cycling hot acid solution through the sanitary piping lines to create a passive layer within the pipe for corrosion resistance. We design valving and shut off points into these systems to make the dangerous process as easy and safe to execute in the field as possible. Then, through the work plan review, we make sure that the people doing the actual work follow strict safety parameters.

Although additional valving for this process does cost more, we’ve found that temporary workarounds can be even more costly—not to mention the potential cost of a dangerous spill.

Communication Even if someone sees a potential risk or thinks up a better idea for a design, it won’t do anyone any good if it doesn’t reach the right ears. You have to make sure that those ears are always open. Put egos aside and give everyone their chance to provide input. Get the teams discussing safety openly, transparently, and honestly.

Be willing to listen and encourage everyone else to do the same. If someone shares an idea that doesn’t go anywhere, you haven’t lost anything but a few minutes of your time. If someone notices inherent dangers in a design but doesn’t feel like they have the right to speak up, you might lose a whole lot more.

“We have found that this level of open communication gives the team a greater appreciation for the challenges they encounter in their work. Additionally, it allows them to see a design or a situation from someone else’s perspective, which improves the overall quality of our work. When it comes to safety, there’s no room for compromise. ” - Lindsay Kenney

Make safety a value In a market where everything has to be faster and cheaper, it’s more important than ever to develop a culture that views safety as a value. Preaching safety after an incident doesn’t work. It has to start from the beginning. We’ve seen first-hand what a difference it can make for us and for our clients.

When you bring teams together, promote healthy communication, and maintain safety front-and-center, everyone wins.

source: https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/45547-Safety-by-Design-Safe-Projects-From-Concept-to-Facility-Operation?tracking_source=rss

[delhi-architect2]

Journal - An Architect’s Guide to Building Codes: 7 Steps to a Safer Design

Mike LaValley is the architect, speaker, and writer behind Evolving Architect. For more creative and nerdy insights, follow him on Instagram or check out his upcoming book.

Building Codes. Why did it have to be Building Codes?

At first glance, they sound a little bit boring, a little bit real, and a little bit scary.

Any architect who doesn’t respect Building Codes is probably not doing their job.

So what are Building Codes exactly? And why do we need to make sure that we understand them as architects? Because trust me, you do.

They may seem like something to gloss over when you’re trying to make your next design masterpiece, but Building Codes protect those who use the buildings you design.

Building Codes 101

While there may have been ramifications for poor construction, construction hazards, and construction mishaps in the past, it wasn’t until the 1800s when the first Building Codes were established. As industry and technology continued to thrive, the potential for new hazards such as sweeping fires became far more common.

And so, at the most fundamental level, Building Codes were established in order to protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of society.

Jurisdictions

Originally, the Building Codes weren’t very pretty. In fact, when Building Codes were first established, they varied greatly and held much different priorities from one another. Over time, Model Building Codes were been developed by regularly iterating upon them and a continued collaboration of professionals across the globe.

Today, you’re far more likely to come across a situation that is treated in a familiar way between states because of the adoption of the International Building Code. Even so, most States adopt the larger Building Codes such as the IBC and make modifications to it based on their specific political and regional priorities. For example, California is more likely to strengthen Building Codes related to earthquakes and seismic activity than a state like Vermont.

As an architect, it’s an inherent responsibility to identify what Code applies to your project and who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ will have the final interpretation on the Building Code for your project and will be able to enforce the Code in kind.

Navigating the Building Codes

Each and every time I sit down to perform a Code Review, I know the review will be unique to that particular project. It’s something that you realize very quickly – No Code Review is ever the same.

When I start looking at the Code, I go through a series of basic steps to help guide the types of major information I need to document and confirm. Skipping steps is not advised. It can lead to backtracking later, missing critical information to assist in design, and possibly the need to change conditions during construction for a much higher cost in order to meet key Code requirements.

The Steps:

Occupancy Classification

Sprinkler Systems

Construction Type

Allowable Floor Area

Building Height and Number of Stories

Location on Property

Means of Egress

Step 1 – Occupancy Classification

The first thing you need to know about a given project is what the project will be used for. It sounds simple, right? But do you know what the difference between an S-1 and S-3 Occupancy Classification is? Do you know when to classify an educational project as a Business (B) Occupancy over an Educational (E) Occupancy?

I’m not saying that you should be able to rattle off the answers to the above questions from the top of your head. The point is that you should check to see if the project requires an Occupancy type regardless if you’ve done a hundred projects before just like it.

I’ve performed many Code Reviews in my career to date, and I was caught off guard when an Occupancy that I had assumed for a project was completely different because of one difference from previous projects I had worked on.

As a good friend always reminds me, “Don’t Assume, you’ll just make an ‘Ass’ out of ‘You’ and ‘Me.’” Lame, I know. But it’s effective. In some ways, the Occupancy Classification dictates everything. Youíll treat every move you make differently based on what types of activities will take place throughout the project.

Just think about it. A hospital has so many different needs than an industrial factory. A school uses different programs compared with a big box retailer. There are different levels of hazards at each. Some are less hazardous than others. Some are more dangerous and have to be dealt with appropriately.

As such, Occupancy is the key to determining almost every other piece of information in the Code Review.

Step 2: Sprinkler Systems

I’m not a plumber and I don’t imagine I’ll ever be one. But damn if I don’t appreciate how much easier a good sprinkler system makes my life as an architect. Anyone who has ever done a Code Review will tell you the same thing. Sprinkler systems, while not always required per Code, will almost always reduce the construction restrictions and requirements for the rest of your project.

The Building Code is primarily concerned with safely protecting the users of a building. It’s also concerned with protecting property. Even without specific requirements for them, Insurance Companies will often lower an owner’s insurance rates if the project incorporates sprinkler systems.

Let’s make no mistake here: Sprinkler systems cost money. Depending on the type of fire suppression you’re using, they can be very expensive on top of the overall cost of doing a project in the first place. They also tend to be one of those items that some Owners shy away from because it’s not something they see active value from.

In short though, they make my job easier — a lot easier. Sprinkler systems can reduce the requirements for fire-rated wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies, or in some instances, negate them altogether. I remember working on one project where the building was just on the edge of needing a sprinkler system. It wasn’t a mandatory requirement, but the owner ultimately decided to incorporate one because the offset in all of the labor to properly rate the associated corridors throughout was worth it. The sprinkler took all requirements down by an hour of fire-rating, essentially negating the need for fire-rated assemblies in 80% of the building.

No need for special wall systems. No need for additional specifications.

I love sprinkler systems.

Step 3: Construction Type

Did you know that there’s actually MORE than one way to construct a building?! Stop the presses!

Anyway…

Yes, indeed. There are a variety of ways to build a building. But according to the International Building Code, there are technically only 5 types of construction.

A bit confusing, but it’s straightforward when you think about it. Each Construction Type assumes not only an inherent set of potential materials that can be used, but also how flammable those materials are.

On about 90% of the projects I’ve ever worked on, Type IIB Construction has been used because of the fact that it provides a common palette of non-flammable materials to select from. Because of that, it’s also able to bring many Fire-Rating Requirements down to 0. On the one hand, you’ll be paying a premium to use materials that are more flame resistant, but you gain the freedom to use them in a much more liberal way.

Step 4: Allowable Floor Area

Alright, I’m going to get real with you. We’re into the less exciting portions of Code Review, albeit important ones.

Allowable Floor Area is the maximum amount of square footage the Building Code allows each Floor Plate of a Building to be built to. There are charts that tell you this number based on (you guessed it) the occupancy and construction type. An included sprinkler system may extend the allowable floor area as can a building’s proximity to property lines.

Step 5: Building Height and # of Stories

Another part of the Code that will truly knock your socks off is Allowable Building Height and Allowable Number of Stories your Building can be built to. You’ll find that, like Allowable Floor Area, a Building’s Height is dictated primarily by Occupancy and Construction Type.

Another factor that you have to consider is that many Buildings can be limited by real-world things like Fire Truck Ladders and other life safety equipment. There are obvious exceptions (I see you skyscrapers), but just keep in mind that many of the Code Requirements for Building Height can be lessened as other concessions are made such as Sprinkler Systems.

If you haven’t realized it yet, the Building Code exists to protect people and property. To a degree, it doesn’t care how you do it as long as you do it one way or another.

Step 6: Location On Property

Ok. Now we’re back into the exciting stuff – Property Lines!

Ahem. Ok, well I was excited.

Imagine two scenarios. The first — two, five-story mixed-use buildings in an urban environment that have a zero lot line, meaning they are literally right next to each other. The second — a large munitions facility in the middle of nowhere with ample amount of space between the building and its property line; hundreds and hundreds of feet. When I say nowhere, I mean the only thing nearby is open field as far as the eye can see.

Which is safer?

One could argue that the two urban buildings are safer because they’re not building things that explode.

But I’d actually argue in this case that the two urban buildings require more attention here in terms of their location. Maybe the munitions facility is building hazardous products, but the two urban buildings are far more likely to endanger each other, causing injury to people or property.

The requirements for the separations between these buildings is much higher because the Building Code would require that they essentially protect themselves from each other.

If there was a fire in one building, the fire rated assemblies must be constructed in such a way as to prevent loss to the other structure.

In the case of the munitions facility, it’s removed enough from all other buildings that it actually is more likely to have a lower exterior fire rating based on property location alone.

Step 7: Means of Egress

It’s not just enough to protect users from other buildings. Once the overall requirements for the building have been established by Steps 1 through 6, an architect needs to properly map the Means of Egress (aka safe path out of the building).

It takes a significant amount of planning to ensure that not only is there a proper path out of the building, but that the path is no greater in length than the maximum distance allowable and that the path is protected at various stages to ensure safe passage.

If there are too many people calculated for a given space, you may even need a second means of egress from that space and out of the building.

I’ve found that determining the proper means of egress for all spaces in a project is often the place where I spend most of my time in a Code Review. Many of the previous criteria become readily apparent with experience, but the Means of Egress is always different from project to project because the spaces area always different.

When in doubt, think about how many exits from a space are required, how far the Code will allow someone to travel before exiting the building, and how much the building has to protect their paths from where they start to the building exit.

WITH ANY LUCK, IF YOU FOLLOW THE SEVEN STEPS ABOVE, YOU’LL HAVE YOURSELF THE START OF A BUILDING CODE REVIEW.

Other Considerations

The Building Code is up to your interpretation as a Design Professional, but NEVER try to break the Building Code. Your design intent must always align with the Codes established to protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of those who will use your built work.

I’ve noticed that sometimes younger staff (without knowing any better) will avoid having to research the technical standards required to execute the nuances of fire-rated construction or neglect to analyze each room for compliance with ADA.

I’ve started to recognize that many without a professional license, just ‘doing a job,’ tend to care less about whether or not things are actually Code-Compliant in every instance.

Having been doing this for a while now, I can tell you that if you’re working at a firm and it’s not your stamp on the line, that doesn’t mean you can or should ignore anything that may be in non-compliance with the Building Code.

It’s possible that you’ll miss something in your own Code Reviews. No one is perfect, but architecture and the responsibility we hold as architects is much more than most.

No offense intended when I say this, but if a graphic designer misspells something, it won’t accidentally kill someone. If a Candy Store manager doesn’t sell their quota in lollipops, the store won’t start on fire.

I think of it this way: No matter how you analyze the Building Code, make sure that you’re doing your due diligence to protect those people who rely on you to do your job. They have families. They have lives. Building Codes are in place to make sure they keep on living them.

Further Reading on Building Codes

Also, I’m an Architect, but I don’t memorize every aspect of the Code. I’m always trying to understand more about it.

Here’s some additional reading and a few key resources to help you on your own Code journey.

Up.Codes – A Free Building Code Website to Easily Help You Track the Latest Building Codes

Building Codes Illustrated – By Francis D.K. Ching

ICC – International Code Council – Gate Keepers of the International Building Code

NFPA – National Fire Protection Association – Standards Regarding Fire Protection in Construction

ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

This post originally appeared on Mike LaValley’s Evolving Architect blog. Architects: Showcase your next project through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.

The post An Architect’s Guide to Building Codes: 7 Steps to a Safer Design appeared first on Journal.

from Journal https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/young-architect-guide-building-codes/ Originally published on ARCHITIZER RSS Feed: https://architizer.com/blog

[buynsellsolar-blog]

Solar groups developing software to streamline PV permitting process

New Post published on http://roofnrays.com/solar-groups-developing-software-to-streamline-pv-permitting-process/

Solar groups developing software to streamline PV permitting process

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and The Solar Foundation are joining the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), several national residential solar companies, and other nonprofit organizations to develop new automated permit software for distributed solar and storage, reducing the cost of solar installations and saving resources for local governments and taxpayers.

NREL was awarded $695,000 in new funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions, Technology Commercialization Fund to develop and deploy the Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP) software platform. The intent is to dramatically reduce the time and cost of the permitting application review and approval process, which is intended to decrease customer cancellation rates and expand solar energy development and solar job growth nationwide.

“Over the past decade, NREL research has shown that while the cost of PV modules and other hardware has declined, non-hardware ‘soft’ costs remain relatively constant. The SolarAPP software will help address key soft cost challenges by providing both AHJs and installers a standardized online portal to complete and manage permitting and inspection processes,” said Kristen Ardani, Solar Analysis Sub-program Lead at NREL. “We look forward to serving the critical role of an independent, third-party developer of the SolarAPP portal.”

The SolarAPP Campaign seeks a fundamental reshaping of solar permitting at the federal, state and local levels. The goal is to allow most routine rooftop solar projects to receive instantaneous approval and efficient inspections while enhancing safety and reliability.

The SolarAPP platform will build on existing software capabilities at NREL to do the following:

Provide a flexible, web-based solar permitting tool for residential systems. Encourage the standardization of permitting processes, while allowing for some flexibility to produce applications that meet the specific requirements of AHJs.

Evaluate applications and design plans for safety certification and code compliance. Offer opportunities to incorporate energy storage and expand to other market segments, such as solar thermal and commercial systems.

The SolarAPP initiative builds on previous and existing programs to reduce soft costs, including the SolSmart program that provides designation and no-cost technical assistance for local governments to open up solar markets.

“The SolarAPP platform will help local governments reduce administrative burdens and make it faster and easier for customers to go solar,” said Andrea Luecke, president and executive director at The Solar Foundation. “At a time when accelerating the deployment of solar and storage has never been more urgent, this platform fills a critical market need.”

The partners working with NREL, SEIA and the Solar Foundation on the SolarAPP software include installation companies as well as key nonprofit organizations and trade associations. Additional partners include the California Solar & Storage Association, Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), SunPower, Sunrun, Tesla and Vivint Solar.

“Inefficient permitting can cause frustration and added costs for Americans who just want to go solar,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “A streamlined, easy-to-use solution such as SolarAPP can cut down on burdensome applications and connect solar projects to the grid faster. A more reliable permitting experience will help both inspectors and solar customers save time and money without sacrificing safety or quality. We’re thrilled to see SolarAPP get financial backing from the Department of Energy and will continue to actively support this important initiative.”

While the cost of residential solar installations has decreased more than 70% over the last 10 years, costs are still much higher in the United States than in other mature markets, largely due to non-hardware “soft costs.” The direct and indirect costs of permitting, inspection and interconnection, including efforts spent acquiring customers who cancel before a permit is issued, can add about $1 per watt, or $7,000, to the cost of a typical residential system.

Nationwide, there are over 20,000 AHJs with distinct permitting and inspection requirements, application costs and approval times. The SolarAPP platform will provide a streamlined process that will increase efficiency and reduce the time and cost of a solar permit, leading in turn to lower cancellation rates.

“Sunrun is proud to partner with NREL, The Solar Foundation, the Solar Energy Industries Association and other industry partners to support the development of the Solar Automated Permit Software for distributed PV and battery storage,” said Alex McDonough, VP of public policy at Sunrun. “This resource will help companies like Sunrun cut red tape and reduce their costs to deliver significantly more affordable, reliable, local clean energy solutions to communities around the country.”

This platform will also assist local governments, which face budget constraints and growing workloads to keep up with the accelerated pace of solar energy development.

“The SolarAPP will make it faster and easier for homeowners to get clean, affordable solar energy and Vivint Solar is pleased to partner with NREL, The Solar Foundation, SEIA and other industry advocates to develop this technology,” said David Bywater, CEO of Vivint Solar.

News item from SEIA

[robmbobby]

Musings: Moving or Going into a New Service Area, There is More to It Than Just…

Originally posted 2014-08-08 09:00:50.

For this week’s Guest Post Friday here at Construction Law Musings, we would like to welcome back (again) Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) Sean has over 20 years in the construction and project management fields. As many know he pulled up stakes and moved to the State of Illinois almost a year ago where he still focuses on the “green” / energy efficiency markets by helping builders & trade professionals to improve their methods not only locally but nationally. Currently he is RESNET Rater, AEE CEA (Certified Energy Auditor), ENERGY STAR partner & verifier, EPA Indoor airPLUS verifier, Level 2 Infrared Thermographer, Volunteer Energy Rater for Habitat for Humanity, and Builders Challenge Partner & Verifier.

I would like to thank Chris for inviting me back as a guest poster. One item that struck a bell with me lately was his recent post for contractors considering work in another state is to check that states contractor licensing laws. Part of me was just saying – ahh if it were just that simple… With that in mind, here are some additional thoughts of mine along with advice picked up and given to others considering a move to greener pastures in another state, another town or maybe even taking that sweet little project outside of your current area that seems too good to pass up.

Licensing:

Yep this is a no-brainer – but unfortunately, as I pointed out in a 2012 piece it isn’t always that simple as in some cases the state may not require licensing and instead leave it to the towns which can be real fun to figure out. How long will it take to obtain? Ahh, but what about other licenses that a township may require? Working on a pre-78 house – is the state a self-managed one or is your current EPA certificate and training good enough? (Living in a self-managed state but working on an Indian Reservation? Well you will need to be EPA certified) Does the area require a specialty Storm Water Certificate or???

Codes & other Regulations:

While many states do adopt codes on a statewide basis, many allow the local jurisdictions to modify them or adopt tougher provisions. I would recommend calling the AHJ or Authority Having Jurisdiction to find out not only what code they are using but if there are any special amendments to be aware of. Don’t forget to ask about the cost, any special filing requirements, and what inspections are required / how to order. The ICC has a good list that they continuously update available – here.

One of the other big issues that I have seen throw many for a loop is someone deciding to take on a vacation home near a coast, river or other area and them running into additional requirements dealing with drainage, impervious surface area, geotechnical measures, &/or storm water management. Not only does this add to engineering costs, lengthy review processes but also additional site measures needing to be taken. Heh on the flip side, do you think those stories on dealing with hysterical err historical commissions are overblown – well in some cases they are, others…

Climate Zone & other Environmental Factors:

Some of the biggest issues I have seen are caused by great contractors who simply assumed that what works great where they are will work everywhere. From increased humidity and moisture concerns to wind and snow loads issues can change dramatically in the space of just a few miles. In many cases the Building Department will be a good guide or even sites like mine.

Taxes:

Some states like Arizona require you to collect taxes on the entire project while other localities may have a local tax license you must buy. If you happen to work (or have moved to) in a different state be prepared to keep two sets of books and possibly creating a new company. For this I recommend you talk to not only your accountant but also a lawyer.

For those that maybe staying in a motel for a project, don’t forget to find out what the full price is as some towns have special taxes which can really add up. For those that are moving, make sure you consider checking into what property & auto taxes are.

Sub-Contractors:

I got to say one of the biggest issues I have had in the past is finding new trade partners (aka sub-contractors.) Be forewarned this can take time & it would be worth checking in with some of the local associations – whether it is NARI, NAHB, AGC, etc… You may also wish to talk with their government / regulatory liaison and others as they can help you with many of the items above. One last group to consider – the local Chamber of Commerce.

With that I would like to once again thank Chris for the opportunity to post once again. If you are reading this because you wish to pull up stakes or simply expand your area, I wish you the best of luck.

As always, Sean and I welcome your comments below.  Please subscribe to keep up with this and other Guest Post Fridays at Construction Law Musings.

© Construction Law Musings- Richmond, VA is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 license.

Related Musings:

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Energy Codes, Compliance Deadlines & Keeping up to Date

How (NOT) to Work With the EPA and Your State…

CALGreen. It’s finally here. Now what?

Top Ten Incentives for Green Construction

[jobdxb]

Job Responsibilities:

To review and understand all inquiry related information, Customer requirements and project documents (Drawings, Specifications, BOQ, etc) To communicating with Manufactures and Suppliers to acquire the required technical and commercial details and support to prepare accurate proper costing and quotations. To do fast and accurate design, BOQ generating and cost sheets preparations for Fire Alarm, Emergency lighting, Public Address and Voice Alarm, CCTV, Access Control, Structured cabling, Lighting control, Gate Barriers, Intercom System, Master Clock, BMS, etc. in compliance with project documents and AHJ requirements. To preparation Technical-Commercial Proposals for Life safety and ELV systems like but not limited to Fire Alarm, Emergency lighting, Public Address and Voice Alarm, CCTV, Access Control, Structured cabling, Lighting control, Gate Barriers, Intercom System, Master Clock, BMS, etc. in compliance with project documents and AHJ requirements.

Minimum requirements Having 3-5 years of experience in Estimation / Design (Life safety and ELV systems) Holding Engineering Degree – Electrical/Electronics.

[caseinpoints]

A gate-stop approach to solar foundation design

By Blair Loftis, national director of power generation and transmission for Terracon

Does uncertainty in the market have you frustrated? When things get tough, it is sometimes best to focus on simple things like bricks and mortar—or, maybe, a better way to reduce risk in tracker foundation design.

So what makes developing and constructing a utility-scale solar project so complicated? Consider these factors:

the parlay known as contract origination;

interconnection requirements that vary dramatically across America’s six independent system operators (ISOs), seven regional transmission operators (RTOs) and multiple individual utilities or utility holding companies;

land-use permitting and approvals that share few similarities from one agency having jurisdiction (AHJ) to the next;

project design, which must keep pace with innovations in critical system components;

strategic procurement sourcing; and

constant challenges related to construction, commissioning, legal, insurance, renewable energy credit arbitrage and financing.

With a list like this, it helps to focus on the end goal: providing solar energy at a competitive price point. We must work to ensure that a profitable solar power purchase agreement (PPA) does not become the virtual unicorn of power marketing. I propose focusing on what we can control, and minimizing the uncertainty related to tracker foundation design is a great way to reduce risk and save money.

A horizontal single-axis tracker from Soltec

Consider this example. The horizontal single-axis tracker has become the industry standard for utility-scale installations. Design specifications vary by manufacturer, but we can assume an installation rate of 750 posts per megawatt. Extrapolate that rate to a mid-size solar plant (50 MWdc) and you will install nearly 40,000 individual foundation posts. The average post embedment depth is no greater than 8 ft. This hypothetical project would require over 57 linear miles of steel for the foundations. If you could shave 2 ft off the embedment depth, how much would you save by reducing 15 miles of steel? Somewhere around $750,000, for a fairly modest project. If we take it to 300 MWdc, the savings could be approximately $5 million.

Overlooking this potential cost savings doesn’t make any sense considering the tracker makes up nearly 25% of the balance of system (BOS) cost, and the tracker foundations are a substantial part of that. Even more concerning, the foundation costs are the big unknown. You can’t easily estimate foundation costs during project development and, more importantly, when you are in the middle of PPA negotiations. On past projects, we have seen the foundation installation depth be a deal breaker.

The evil cousin of depth is construction means and methods. For example, what if the project requires pre-drilling, over drilling, drilling and grouting or soil stabilization to secure the foundations? What about expansive clays, frost action or karst? The possible uncertainties can make the most solar-savvy squirm.

Today, we know variances in foundation depth can mean a total forfeit of profit. A decade ago, little thought was given to the depth of the foundation post. It just didn’t have much impact on profits. Still, in the interest of maximizing investment return, we began developing a process to remove uncertainty around post depth and the means in which they would be installed. Over the years, I have worked across the industry and have had the opportunity to refine this simple process which has been adopted by some of the leading developers of utility-scale solar projects in North America.

This process, coined “A Gate-Stop Approach to Solar Foundation Design” proceeds as follows:

Gate 1 – Desk Top Review: Evaluate near-surface soil conditions and expected geological conditions from a review of available public data. If the review suggests unfavorable conditions (e.g., shallow bedrock), then consider another site. If the data is uncertain, then pass through the gate and proceed to a preliminary site investigation.Most geotechnical, architectural or engineering firms can perform this service and have adapted sophisticated platforms through ArcGIS which include interactive interfaces and user-friendly platforms. The key is the geotechnical engineer’s evaluation of the data. The data is the constant variable, as virtually everyone relies upon the same data set. The difference for us is Terracon’s unique approach.

Terracon has created a report of expected geotechnical conditions (REGC), which supplements the often high-level, summarized data available in the public domain with real exploration data we have collected over decades of projects. We have invested in digitizing this data so that it is searchable by GPS coordinates and can be filtered based upon specific search criteria.

Gate 2 – Preliminary Site Investigation: Using what we have learned passing through Gate 1, our geotechnical staff develops a smart work plan to confirm project expectations. The work plan may involve test pits, soil borings, soil probes or cone penetration tests. We know what we expect to encounter and tailor the work plan accordingly. At this point, there is heavy reliance upon observations such as what can be seen from an open pit or a soil boring or CPT log. Bulk or discrete samples should be obtained and stored, but testing comes later. If no obvious concerns are revealed from this observatory phase, then pass through Gate 2 and proceed to a preliminary design evaluation.Terracon has developed a formulaic approach to the investigative frequency or recommended number of exploration locations per acre of proposed development. Upon completion of the REGC, we revise that frequency to fit the specific project site based upon our confidence assessment of the public data adjusted by our relevant proprietary data. The more data points from prior projects proximal to the site of interest, the higher the confidence interval assigned to the public data. We call this a SMART Characterization Plan.

Gate 3 – Preliminary Design Evaluation: This is a means to an end. Ultimately, a barrage of soil testing will be required for a multitude of design requirements. The objective is to collect sufficient volume of samples prior to passing through Gate 2, but not to spend the money on all of the required testing until needed. Only a few simple tests to perform a preliminary L-Pile analysis are needed. This will provide an opportunity to estimate a range for the maximum and minimum foundation embedment depth. If this depth interval is within project margins, then proceed to Gate 4, design optimization.Here, our REGC really meets its return on investment. Through our extensive database, we are often able to extract the data necessary to perform this preliminary L-Pile analysis without collecting site samples, or significantly reducing the frequency of samples required.

Gate 4 – Design Optimization: Now we are at the threshold between theory and practice. This culminates with the installation of test piles and pull testing (lateral and axial) to agreed load levels. From these empirical results derived from expected construction conditions, the optimum design embedment depth can be determined.

What makes the Terracon approach different is our sequencing enhancement. In other words, not just how we do things, but when we do them. We provide an outline of gates with built in off-ramps so that project compatibility can be verified through an iterative process along critical decision points.

Blair Loftis is the national director of power generation and transmission for Terracon. Loftis brings to the position more than 25 years of industry leadership in consulting engineering, construction management, and electric utility management. His work in the areas of operations, strategy, project management, and finance bring a unique understanding to project development and meeting client objectives.

Solar Power World

[robmbobby]

Musings: Moving or Going into a New Service Area, There is More to It Than Just…

Originally posted 2014-08-08 09:00:50.

For this week’s Guest Post Friday here at Construction Law Musings, we would like to welcome back (again) Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) Sean has over 20 years in the construction and project management fields. As many know he pulled up stakes and moved to the State of Illinois almost a year ago where he still focuses on the “green” / energy efficiency markets by helping builders & trade professionals to improve their methods not only locally but nationally. Currently he is RESNET Rater, AEE CEA (Certified Energy Auditor), ENERGY STAR partner & verifier, EPA Indoor airPLUS verifier, Level 2 Infrared Thermographer, Volunteer Energy Rater for Habitat for Humanity, and Builders Challenge Partner & Verifier.

I would like to thank Chris for inviting me back as a guest poster. One item that struck a bell with me lately was his recent post for contractors considering work in another state is to check that states contractor licensing laws. Part of me was just saying – ahh if it were just that simple… With that in mind, here are some additional thoughts of mine along with advice picked up and given to others considering a move to greener pastures in another state, another town or maybe even taking that sweet little project outside of your current area that seems too good to pass up.

Licensing:

Yep this is a no-brainer – but unfortunately, as I pointed out in a 2012 piece it isn’t always that simple as in some cases the state may not require licensing and instead leave it to the towns which can be real fun to figure out. How long will it take to obtain? Ahh, but what about other licenses that a township may require? Working on a pre-78 house – is the state a self-managed one or is your current EPA certificate and training good enough? (Living in a self-managed state but working on an Indian Reservation? Well you will need to be EPA certified) Does the area require a specialty Storm Water Certificate or???

Codes & other Regulations:

While many states do adopt codes on a statewide basis, many allow the local jurisdictions to modify them or adopt tougher provisions. I would recommend calling the AHJ or Authority Having Jurisdiction to find out not only what code they are using but if there are any special amendments to be aware of. Don’t forget to ask about the cost, any special filing requirements, and what inspections are required / how to order. The ICC has a good list that they continuously update available – here.

One of the other big issues that I have seen throw many for a loop is someone deciding to take on a vacation home near a coast, river or other area and them running into additional requirements dealing with drainage, impervious surface area, geotechnical measures, &/or storm water management. Not only does this add to engineering costs, lengthy review processes but also additional site measures needing to be taken. Heh on the flip side, do you think those stories on dealing with hysterical err historical commissions are overblown – well in some cases they are, others…

Climate Zone & other Environmental Factors:

Some of the biggest issues I have seen are caused by great contractors who simply assumed that what works great where they are will work everywhere. From increased humidity and moisture concerns to wind and snow loads issues can change dramatically in the space of just a few miles. In many cases the Building Department will be a good guide or even sites like mine.

Taxes:

Some states like Arizona require you to collect taxes on the entire project while other localities may have a local tax license you must buy. If you happen to work (or have moved to) in a different state be prepared to keep two sets of books and possibly creating a new company. For this I recommend you talk to not only your accountant but also a lawyer.

For those that maybe staying in a motel for a project, don’t forget to find out what the full price is as some towns have special taxes which can really add up. For those that are moving, make sure you consider checking into what property & auto taxes are.

Sub-Contractors:

I got to say one of the biggest issues I have had in the past is finding new trade partners (aka sub-contractors.) Be forewarned this can take time & it would be worth checking in with some of the local associations – whether it is NARI, NAHB, AGC, etc… You may also wish to talk with their government / regulatory liaison and others as they can help you with many of the items above. One last group to consider – the local Chamber of Commerce.

With that I would like to once again thank Chris for the opportunity to post once again. If you are reading this because you wish to pull up stakes or simply expand your area, I wish you the best of luck.

As always, Sean and I welcome your comments below.  Please subscribe to keep up with this and other Guest Post Fridays at Construction Law Musings.

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