Changes to Massechusetts fire code late last year have created frustration for solar installers, who are now working with fire officials on compromises to the rules. Included for the first time in the code are restrictions to the positioning of rooftop solar arrays- restrictions which make it easier and safer for firefighters to move around and vent roofs of burning homes. The downside of the restrictions is that the total area for the solar array needs to be reduced by 10-20% to accommodate the pathways for firefighters. This change even caused some potential customers to pull out of projects entirely because the economics of the system no longer worked.
Read more details here: Solar installers and fire officials look for compromise on Massachusetts fire code | Energy News Network