Quick take: A complete paperwork set speeds permits, protects installers, and helps first responders. This checklist focuses on NEC 690 for PV and NEC 706 for energy storage systems (ESS). It aligns with labeling and documentation requirements many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) expect.
Energy systems connect to a tight web of codes and grid rules. Smart-inverter functions and certification pathways are highlighted in IRENA’s Quality Infrastructure for Smart Mini‑Grids, which references UL 1741 (SA) validation used for grid support features. European grid code practice summarized in IRENA’s Grid Codes for Renewable Powered Systems also points to EN 50549 and the IECRE scheme for consistent testing and compliance. For high-level context on storage growth and safety, see U.S. DOE Solar Energy and the IEA report on critical minerals, which underscores the need for traceable, standards-based deployments.
What NEC 690 and NEC 706 cover
NEC 690 governs photovoltaic circuits, equipment, and labeling. NEC 706 governs ESS installation, disconnection, shutdown, and safety labeling. Many mixed PV+ESS projects also touch Article 705 for interconnected sources, Article 710 for stand‑alone systems, and Article 712 for DC microgrids, as noted in industry summaries of smart mini‑grid quality infrastructure. In practice, AHJs expect clear drawings, listings, and posted signage that match the field build.
The 12 must-have documents
Use these as your baseline submittals and as-built records. Add local forms as required by your AHJ or utility.
1) One‑line diagram (SLD) and equipment layout
Provide a clean SLD from PV source to ESS, inverter, disconnects, OCPD, grounding, and service point. Include equipment locations on a simple site plan. Indicate conductor sizes, insulation types, and raceways. Show rapid shutdown boundaries for PV arrays and the ESS disconnect location visible from the service point.
2) Site plan and service directory map
Show property lines, meters, service equipment, PV array zones, ESS cabinets, and all disconnecting means. Add the plaque/directory legend that will be posted at the service equipment to direct responders to remote disconnects, per common NEC 690 directory practices.
3) Equipment listings and certifications
Attach datasheets and listings for the ESS, battery modules, inverter/charger, combiner, breakers, and disconnects. For modern grid‑tied projects, list evidence of UL 1741 (SA) for grid support, as used to meet California Rule 21 and HECO 14H market needs per IRENA’s mini‑grid quality infrastructure. List battery cell/module certifications (e.g., UL 1973) and ESS system listing (e.g., UL 9540). Note the rating for protective devices aligned with UL 489 H where used.
4) ESS nameplate data sheet
Summarize kWh capacity, nominal and maximum voltage, charge/discharge current limits, short‑circuit withstand, ambient temperature range, and clearance requirements. Include usable capacity calculations and DoD assumptions. A concise performance reference, like the concepts summarized in this solar storage performance overview, helps reviewers see how DoD, round‑trip efficiency, cycle life, and temperature affect usable energy and warranty expectations.
5) Labeling and signage schedule (NEC 690/706)
Create a sheet that lists each required label, exact text, color, material, font height, and mounting location. Include PV DC source and output labels, AC output labels, rapid shutdown labels, directories/plaques at service equipment, and ESS hazard signage with stored energy capacity. Cross‑reference to NEC 690 and 706 labeling clauses on the sheet.
6) Rapid shutdown and arc‑fault documentation
Provide equipment listings and functional descriptions for rapid shutdown (often referenced under NEC 690.12 in many jurisdictions) and arc‑fault protection. Show the rapid shutdown boundary, control method, and test procedure you will use at commissioning.
7) Battery SDS and hazard mitigation records
Include Safety Data Sheets for the battery chemistry (e.g., LiFePO4). Where available from the manufacturer, provide a UL 9540A summary or thermal propagation assessment to help the AHJ and fire service review site placement and ventilation.
8) Grounding, bonding, and conductor sizing calculations
Show equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode system connections, bonding jumpers, and conductor ampacity calculations. Indicate temperature corrections and conduit fill assumptions. Call out aluminum vs. copper and termination ratings.
9) Overcurrent protection and fault current coordination
Document OCPD ratings and interrupting duties on both DC and AC sides. Include available fault current estimates at the ESS and service equipment. If multiple sources exist, outline coordination so that the correct device clears the fault without disabling safety functions.
10) Commissioning and functional test records
Prepare a checklist you will complete onsite: insulation resistance checks, polarity, torque logs, inverter/charger functional tests, rapid shutdown function, anti‑islanding/smart‑inverter settings, and EMS setpoints. Sign and date the results, and store copies for the AHJ and owner.
11) Operations, maintenance, and emergency shutdown procedures
Provide a concise O&M pack: routine checks, firmware update policy, battery care, end‑of‑life steps, and clear emergency shutdown steps. Post a short emergency placard near the service equipment describing how to shut down PV and ESS.
12) Interconnection approval or stand‑alone attestation
For grid‑tied projects, attach the utility interconnection approval and the final smart‑inverter settings sheet (Volt/VAR, Frequency-Watt) if applicable. For off‑grid systems, include a brief attestation that the system is stand‑alone consistent with NEC Article 710 scope. IRENA’s grid code compendium notes how regional codes and frameworks (e.g., EN 50549, IECRE) standardize these expectations across markets; see this summary.
Labeling details inspectors often check
- PV DC circuits: permanent labels at combiner, disconnects, and raceways indicating maximum voltage and current.
- PV rapid shutdown: exterior‑visible label specifying rapid shutdown and its boundary. Place it at the service equipment or meter location.
- AC output and backfeed warnings: mark the interactive system connection point.
- ESS identification: mark stored energy (kWh), nominal system voltage, and emergency shutdown method at the ESS and the service equipment.
- Directories/plaques: a durable placard that maps to all disconnects and the ESS location.
Who prepares what, and where to keep it
| Document | Main purpose | Prepared by | Primary reference | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLD & layout | Scope, wiring, and safety devices | Designer/Engineer | NEC 690, 706 | Project life (keep as‑built) |
| Site plan & directory map | Direct responders to disconnects | Designer/Installer | NEC 690 labeling practices | Posted + digital copy |
| Listings & certifications | Show code‑listed equipment | Manufacturer/Designer | UL 9540, UL 1973, UL 1741 (SA) | Project life |
| ESS nameplate sheet | Voltage, kWh, current, clearances | Manufacturer/Designer | NEC 706 marking | Project life |
| Labeling schedule | Exact text, color, placement | Designer/Installer | NEC 690/706 | Posted + digital copy |
| Rapid shutdown & AFCI docs | Life‑safety functions | Manufacturer/Installer | NEC 690 safety functions | Project life |
| Battery SDS & 9540A summary | Hazard and mitigation info | Manufacturer | SDS/UL 9540A | Project life |
| Grounding/bonding calcs | Shock and fault protection | Designer/Engineer | NEC 250, 690/706 | Project life |
| OCPD & coordination | Fault clearing, ratings | Designer/Engineer | NEC 240, 690/706 | Project life |
| Commissioning records | Proof of function | Installer/Commissioner | NEC intent + utility rules | Project life |
| O&M and emergency steps | Safe operation and response | Installer/Manufacturer | NEC 690/706 signage | Posted + digital copy |
| Interconnection/attestation | Grid tie or stand‑alone scope | Installer/Utility | NEC 705/710; UL 1741 (SA) | Project life |
Case example: 7 kW PV + 10 kWh LiFePO4 ESS
A home adds a 7 kW rooftop PV array, a hybrid inverter, and a 10 kWh LiFePO4 ESS. The team submits all 12 documents. The labeling schedule specifies the PV rapid shutdown placard at the service, a directory plaque pointing to the ESS in the garage, and an ESS label stating stored energy and nominal voltage. The commissioning checklist includes the rapid shutdown test, torque logs, and smart‑inverter setting screenshots.
During review, the AHJ asks how the 10 kWh nameplate translates into usable capacity. The submittal includes a brief note citing performance drivers like DoD and round‑trip efficiency, with a reference to this solar storage performance overview. That clarity helps the plan reviewer and builds confidence in the design.
Interconnection notes and smart‑inverter settings
Many utilities require smart‑inverter functions such as Volt/VAR, Frequency‑Watt, and ride‑through. UL 1741 (SA) is used to certify these features for markets like California Rule 21 and HECO 14H, as described in IRENA’s mini‑grid quality infrastructure. In Europe, IRENA’s grid codes compendium summarizes EN 50549 and the IECRE scheme that streamline testing and equipment certification. Keep the manufacturer’s settings sheet in your submittal and leave a printed copy in the O&M pack.
Practical tips to avoid rework
- Use large, readable fonts on labels. Many AHJs follow specific color and size preferences; match them.
- Put all label texts into the labeling schedule drawing. Inspectors can check in seconds.
- Photograph installed labels and upload to your digital closeout folder.
- Keep commissioning test screenshots with timestamps. Add serial numbers of major equipment.
- Store a digital project binder in the cloud and share a read‑only link with the owner and AHJ.
Why thorough documentation matters
Clear records support safety, maintenance, and future upgrades. Grid code references from IRENA and the technology readiness context from the IEA reinforce the need for traceable equipment data and settings. Public resources at energy.gov also emphasize safe operation and first‑responder awareness, which ties directly to directories and shutdown placards.
Bringing it together
These 12 documents cover drawings, listings, labels, tests, and grid status. They give plan reviewers what they need, make inspections quicker, and leave the owner with a usable O&M pack. For PV+ESS projects built around LiFePO4 storage, hybrid inverters, and optional off‑grid capability, this set fits both NEC 690 and 706 expectations and scales from homes to small farms.
Compliance note: This content is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always follow your AHJ, utility, and manufacturer instructions.
FAQ
What documents are required for NEC 690 compliance in Energy Storage Systems?
Start with the one‑line diagram, site plan and directory map, equipment listings, ESS nameplate sheet, and a labeling schedule. Add rapid shutdown documentation, SDS, grounding/bonding calculations, OCPD coordination, commissioning records, O&M/emergency steps, and interconnection or stand‑alone attestation.
Do off‑grid systems still need a labeling schedule?
Yes. Even stand‑alone systems benefit from clear directories and shutdown placards. Article 710 defines stand‑alone scope; Article 706 calls for ESS marking and safe disconnection.
Can I provide digital copies instead of paper?
Most AHJs accept digital submittals. Keep printed labels and placards onsite where responders expect them. Maintain a cloud binder for the owner and inspector.
Who signs the one‑line diagram?
Follow local rules. In some areas, a licensed engineer must stamp the drawing. In others, the installer can sign with a manufacturer‑backed design.
How do smart‑inverter settings fit into my package?
Add the settings sheet and UL 1741 (SA) certificate under equipment listings. This aligns with interconnection expectations documented in IRENA’s smart mini‑grid reference.
