Where to Run Solar Conduit: Through the Attic or On the Roof?

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The cables running from the PV array to the inverter and from the inverter to the electrical service panel are both protected by a conduit.  Particularly if the PV system is going to be installed later, the conduit ends need to be clearly marked.  The stub outs should be appropriately sealed and/or capped in locations where there are environmental hazards or issues in order to avoid contamination.

Install a 1-inch metal conduit with the end of the conduit clearly marked as the Renewable Energy Ready Home component and designating its need and intended utilize from the designated array location to the designated inverter location in order to comply with the requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. Electrical, as well as architectural diagrams that are given to the homeowner should show the conduit run according to SolarMe New Jersey.

How to Set Up a Conduit for Future Solar Photovoltaic Systems:

  • Mark the roof position where the solar photovoltaic system is planned to go. 
  • Construct a 1-inch metal conduit from the attic to the inverter’s intended placement.
  • In the specified array site in the attic, start the conduit about 6 inches above the finished insulation depth. Make sure the conduit is installed in an accessible area in the attic that has at least 18 inches of clearance beneath the roof deck for future solar installers.
  • Cut the wire conduit’s overall length as much as possible by routing it through the house.
  • As required by the National Electric Code, make sure there are no more than three 90-degree twists from the attic to the authorized 4 ft. by 4 ft. plywood space. Alternatively, install accessible pull boxes.
  • Terminate to the flush mount pull box or junction towards the plywood area’s bottom edge for aesthetic purposes.
  • Terminate the conduit at the bottom edge of the 4 ftx4 ft plywood backing for a potential inverter.
  • To connect the inverter’s assigned location to the electrical service panel, install a 1-inch metal conduit.
  • The builder might also wish to incorporate a pull line in the conduit, especially if the entire conduit run is lengthy or has numerous bends, to make it easier to wire the solar PV system later on.
  • If it’s possible, cap and mark both conduit runs’ ends so that the lettering is clear and upright.  The name of the product should be “Renewable Energy Ready Home – Solar Photovoltaic Wiring Conduit.”

Obtaining Success

Early in the house design process, make sure the solar water heating and photovoltaic system components have a sufficient utility room size and position. Early in the design process, find out from local code officials what actions must be taken to ensure that the installation of PV panels complies with all applicable laws, homeowner’s association covenants, and historic district rules.

Solar Conduit Runs Through the Attic or On the Roof, and the solar photovoltaic system’s mechanical and electrical components should be shielded from airborne moisture, extreme heat, and direct sunshine.  The utility room needs to maintain normal indoor temperatures and have enough ventilation.

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