Read the letter as a list of jobs
A correction letter is usually a numbered list of comments, each tied to a sheet and often to a code section. Before changing anything, sort every comment into one of four kinds:
- Drawing change — move, add or redraw something on a sheet.
- Calculation — a number is wrong or not shown.
- Documentation — a spec sheet, letter, form or listing is missing.
- Clarification — the design is right but the reviewer can’t see why. These are answered with a note or a code reference, not a redesign.
The corrections that come up most
| Comment | Usual fix | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Fire pathways or ridge setback | Redraw the array to the adopted pathway widths and ridge setback | IRC R324.6, IFC, local fire code |
| Point of connection | Show the busbar math, derate the main, or move to a supply-side tap | NEC 705.12 / 705.11 |
| Rapid shutdown | Show the devices on the line diagram and add the labels | NEC 690.12, 690.56(C) |
| String voltage | Recalculate at the record low temperature for the site | NEC 690.7 |
| Conductor or OCPD sizing | Resize with derates and make every sheet agree | NEC 690.8, 310.16, 240.4 |
| Labels or directory | Add the missing label and its location, and the source directory | NEC 690, 705.10, 706 |
| Spec sheet or listing | Attach the data sheet showing the listing | UL 1741, 2703, 9540, 61730 |
| Structural | Add the span-table check or an engineer’s letter | Racking span table, IRC R324 |
| Battery location | Move it, add protection, or document spacing and limits | IRC R328, NEC 706 |
Revise the set so the reviewer can check it fast
- Cloud every change and tag it with a revision number (a delta triangle) that matches the title block.
- Update the revision block on every sheet you touch, with the date and a one-line description.
- Keep sheet numbers the same. If you add a sheet, add it to the index rather than renumbering everything.
- Make the numbers agree everywhere. A conductor you resize on the line diagram has to change on the calculation sheet and the conductor schedule too, or the next round will catch it.
Write a comment-by-comment response
Answer the letter in its own order and numbering. For each comment:
- Quote or paraphrase the reviewer’s comment.
- Say what you did in one or two sentences.
- Point to the sheet and detail where it now appears.
Where you disagree, say so politely and cite the code section and edition that supports the design. Reviewers generally accept a clear reference; they rarely accept silence. Put the letter on company letterhead and resubmit it with the revised set.
Make sure it doesn’t happen twice
Most correction letters repeat. The same city will ask for the same label wording or the same pathway note on the next job. Keep every comment you get as a rule for that jurisdiction, and check the next set against it before it goes out.
How Ballast Solar handles corrections
Ballast Solar turns a correction letter into a revised set and a drafted response, usually the same day, and remembers what each jurisdiction asked for so the next set you file there already answers it.
Questions
How do I respond to a solar plan check correction?
Fix each comment on the drawings, cloud the changes and update the revision block, then send a comment-by-comment response letter that says what changed and on which sheet, with the revised set.
What are the most common solar plan check corrections?
Fire pathways and ridge setbacks, the point of connection and busbar rule, rapid-shutdown devices and labels, string voltage at the record low temperature, conductor sizing, missing labels or spec sheets, and structural documentation.
Can I push back on a plan check comment?
Yes. If the design complies, say so politely in the response letter and cite the code section and the edition the jurisdiction has adopted. A specific reference usually settles it.
What is a revision cloud on a plan set?
A scalloped outline drawn around each change, tagged with a revision number that matches the title block, so the reviewer can find exactly what changed.
This guide explains the code for planning purposes. The adopted edition, local amendments and the AHJ’s interpretation govern; the contractor of record is responsible for the design.