06-01-16

SECTION 48 14 00
SOLAR ENERGY ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

SPEC WRITER NOTES:

Delete between // --- // if not
applicable to project. Also delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable in
the section and renumber the paragraphs.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, installation, connection,
testing, and commissioning of solar energy electrical power generation
systems.
B. The requirements of this Section apply to all sections of Division 48
related to solar energy electrical power generation systems.
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Section 01 00 00, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: General construction practices.
B. Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES: Submittals.
C. Section 01 91 00, GENERAL COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS: General
requirements for commissioning.
//D. Section 13 05 41, SEISMIC RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS: Requirement for seismic restraint for nonstructural
components.//
E. Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS:
Requirements that apply to all sections of Division 26.
F. Section 26 05 19, LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL POWER CONDUCTORS AND CABLES:
Requirements for low-voltage conductors.
G. Section 26 05 26, GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Requirements for personnel safety and requirements for providing a low
impedance path for possible ground fault currents.
H. Section 26 05 33, RACEWAYS AND BOXES FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Requirements for boxes, conduits, and raceways.
I. Section 26 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Requirements for
commissioning the electrical system, subsystems, and equipment.
J. Section 26 29 21, DISCONNECT SWITCHES: Requirements for disconnect
switches.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
A. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, electrical and electronics
terminology used in these specifications, and on the drawings, shall be
as defined in IEEE 100 CD.

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B. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, solar energy conversion and

solar photovoltaic energy system terminology used in these
specifications, and on the drawings, shall be as defined in ASTM E772.
1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System installer(s) shall
demonstrate that they have successfully installed at least four
projects within the past five years that, in aggregate, equal or exceed
the size of the proposed project. References shall be provided for
each of the referenced qualified projects.
B. Refer to Paragraph, QUALIFICATIONS, in Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS.
C. Supports and racking for solar photovoltaic system designs shall be
prepared under the seal of a licensed Professional Structural Engineer
(PE). Where applicable, such as roof top installations, the engineer
shall also provide adequate review and structural analysis of the
existing structure that will be supporting the proposed solar
photovoltaic system. Among the documents that shall be submitted by
the engineer are environmental loading analyses (including wind, snow,
hail, and where applicable, seismic) and the rack and substrates
ability to withstand these environmental forces. In the instance where
the rack is installed on the ground, adequate information shall be
presented to demonstrate the earths ability to support the proposed
design.
D. If the system will be a tracking system, the mechanical and control
systems shall be approved by the using entity. Preference shall be
given to closed or hybrid-open/closed logic control for the tracking
system.
E. If paralleling arrangement is desired, the system shall have anti-
islanding capability such that it is incapable of exporting power to
the utility distribution system in the absence of utility power.
Paralleling must be approved by serving electric utility. Provide
written correspondence from the utility confirming its requirements.
F. Investigate whether the //Resident Engineer// //COR// or local
environmental entities require environmental impact studies which may
include, but are not limited to, effects upon wildlife. The Contractor
shall determine which entity has jurisdiction over environmental
matters and shall make appropriate inquiry and comply with all
applicable regulations.

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G. Investigate any other local ordinances that may apply to installation

of a solar energy electrical generating system in the proposed
location. Bring any conflicts with the drawings and specifications to
the attention of the //Resident Engineer// //COR//.
H. Warranties: The solar energy electrical generating system shall be
subject to the terms of FAR Clause 52.246-21, except that the warranty
period shall be as noted for the items below:
1. Solar photovoltaic modules and inverter: 10 year manufacturers
warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
2. Power output: 25 year manufacturers power output warranty, with the
first 10 years at 90% minimum rated power output and the balance of
the 25 years at 80% minimum rated power output.
//3. Existing roof: Notify warrantor of existing roofing system on
prior to beginning work and on completion of work, and obtain
documentation verifying that existing roofing system has been
inspected and warranty remains in effect. Submit documentation at
project closeout.//
1.5 SUBMITTALS
A. Where proposed system shall be a Net Meter project, prepare appropriate
applications and submittals to the //Resident Engineer// //Contracting
Officers Representative (COR)//. Where proposed system shall be
connected before the serving electric utilitys meter and tied directly
to the grid, prepare appropriate applications and submittals to the
//Resident Engineer// //COR//. In all cases, the serving electric
utility may have a requirement for further electrical studies, which
may include or not be limited to power factor analysis, short circuit
protection studies, grid wiring adequacy, or capacities of upstream
equipment. If such requirements exist and are required by the serving
electric utility, these requirements shall be fulfilled by the
Contractor. Provide written documentation confirming the utilitys
approval of the interconnection of the solar energy electrical power
generation system with the utility system.
B. Submit six copies of the following to the //Resident Engineer// //COR//
in accordance with Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS.
1. Shop Drawings:
a. Submit sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with
drawings and specifications.

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b. Include electrical ratings, dimensions, mounting details,

materials, required clearances, terminations, weight, wiring and
connection diagrams, accessories, and nameplate data.
c. Include shop drawings for foundations and other support
structures.
2. Product Data:
a. Include detailed information for components of the solar energy
electrical generation system.
1. Wiring.
2. Inverter.
3. Photovoltaic modules.
4. Rack and support assemblies.
5. Instrumentation.
6. Switchgear.
7. DC and AC disconnects.
8. Combiner boxes.
9. Monitoring systems // including appropriate interfacing with
existing facility data collection systems//.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Include the following
paragraph for projects in moderate-high,
high and very high seismic zones as
listed in Table 4 of VA Handbook H-18-8,
Seismic Design Requirements.

//b. Certification from the manufacturer that the system has

been seismically tested to International Building Code
requirements. Certification shall be based upon simulated
seismic forces on a shake table or by analytical methods, but not
by experience data or other methods.//
3. Manuals:
a. Submit, simultaneously with the shop drawings, complete
maintenance and operating manuals including technical data
sheets, wiring diagrams, and information for ordering replacement
parts.
1. Safety precautions.
2. Operator restart.
3. Startup, shutdown, and post-shutdown procedures.
4. Normal operations.
5. Emergency operations.
6. Environmental conditions.

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7. Preventive maintenance plan and schedule.

8. Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic techniques.
9. Wiring and control diagrams.
10. Maintenance and repair procedures.
11. Removal and replacement instructions.
12. Tracking systems (where applicable).
13. Spare parts and supply list.
14. Parts identification.
15. Testing equipment and special tool information.
16. Warranty information.
17. Testing and performance data.
18. Contractor information.
b. If changes have been made to the maintenance and operating
manuals originally submitted, then submit updated maintenance and
operating manuals two weeks prior to the final inspection.
4. Certifications: Two weeks prior to final inspection, submit the
following.
a. Certification by the manufacturers of all major items of the
solar energy electric generation system that the system conforms
to the requirements of the drawings and specifications, and that
they have jointly coordinated and properly integrated their
equipment and controls to provide a complete and functional
installation.
b. Certification by the Contractor that the solar energy electric
generation system has been properly installed, adjusted, tested,
commissioned, and warrantied. Contractor shall make all
necessary field measurements and investigations to ensure that
the equipment and assemblies meet contract requirements.
5. Estimated Annual Power Output: Submit calculated annual power output
for each of the proposed solar photovoltaic systems. Provide
independent calculations for each fixed, single-axis tracking, or
double-axis tracking system.
C. If equipment submitted differs in arrangement from that shown on the
drawings, provide drawings that show the rearrangement of all
associated systems. Approval will be given only if all features of the
equipment and associated systems, including accessibility, are
equivalent to that required by the contract and acceptable to the
//Resident Engineer// //COR//.

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D. Submittals and shop drawings for independent but related items shall be
furnished together and complete in a group. Coordinate and properly
integrate materials and equipment in each group. Final review and
approval will be made only by groups.
1.6 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,
supplements and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced. Publications are referenced in the text by the basic
designation only.
B. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
E772-15.................Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E1038-15................Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance
of Photovoltaic Modules to Hail by Impact with
Propelled Ice Balls
C. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE):
100 CD-13...............The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards
Terms
519-14..................Recommended Practices and Requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems
937-07..................Recommended Practice for Installation and
Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
1013-07.................Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid
Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV)
Systems
1361-14.................Guide for Selection, Charging, Test and
Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in
Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
1526-03.................Recommended Practice for Testing the
Performance of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
1547-03.................Standard for Interconnecting Distributed
Resources with Electric Power Systems
1561-07.................Guide for Optimizing the Performance and Life
of Lead-Acid Batteries in Remote Hybrid Systems
1562-07.................Guide for Array and Battery Sizing in Stand-
Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

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1661-07.................Guide for Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid

Batteries Used in Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid
Power Systems
D. International Code Council (ICC):
IBC-15..................International Building Code
IFC-15..................International Fire Code
E. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
250-14..................Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1,000
Volts Maximum)
F. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70-14...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
G. Underwriters Laboratories (UL):
6-07....................Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit Steel
94-13...................Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for
Parts in Devices and Appliances; Ed 6
797-07..................Electrical Metallic Tubing Steel
969-95..................Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems
1242-06.................Standard for Electrical Intermediate Metal
Conduit Steel
1703-02.................Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules
and Panels
1741-10.................Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers
and Interconnection System Equipment for Use
with Distributed Energy Resources
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 GENERAL
A. Provide materials to fabricate functioning photovoltaic system in
accordance with ASTM, IEEE, NEMA, NFPA, and UL, as specified in this
section, and as shown on the drawings.
B. Factory-prefabricated solar equipment packages which include
photovoltaic modules, batteries or other energy storage, inverters, and
controls and which meet the requirements of this section are
acceptable.
2.2 GROUNDING
A. All applicable components of the solar energy electrical power
generating system must be grounded per latest NEC requirements.
B. DC Ground-Fault Protector:
1. Shall be listed per UL 1703.

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2. Shall comply with requirements of the NEC.

2.3 PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY CIRCUIT COMBINER BOX
A. Shall be listed to UL 1741.
B. Shall include internal overcurrent protection devices with dead front.
C. Shall be contained in non-conductive NEMA Type 4X enclosure.
D. Up to 48 volts DC: Shall use UL-listed DC breakers that meet NEC
requirements for overcurrent protection.
E. Up to 600 volts DC, paralleling system: Shall use fuses instead of
breakers.
F. Ground and pole-mounted arrays shall have a separate combiner box
mounted to the pole itself.
G. Where applicable, combiner box shall be a disconnecting combiner box.
2.4 SWITCH/DISCONNECTING MEANS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Certain inverter
manufacturers include a DC fused
disconnect as part of their inverters.
In those cases, a separate disconnect
will not be required.

A. Shall be UL-listed, in accordance with the NEC, as shown on the

drawings, and as specified.
B. Utility External Disconnect Switch (UEDS): Refer to //Resident
Engineer// //COR//, as several states do not require UEDS for small
solar photovoltaic systems if the inverter provides the same function
per NEC. Coordinate requirements with serving electric utility.
2.5 WIRING SPECIALTIES
A. Direct Current Conductors:
1. If Exposed: Shall be USE-2, UF (inadequate at 60C [140F]), or SE,
90C [194F] wet-location rated and sunlight-resistant (usually for
tracking modules).
2. If in Conduit: Shall be RHW-2, THWN-2, or XHHW-2 90C [194F], wet-
location rated.
B. Conduits and Raceways:
1. Shall use steel conduit listed per UL 6, UL 1242, UL 797 (as
appropriate), except for tracking modules. Weathertight EMT
installations shall be allowed for DC wiring in weather-protected
areas.
2. Shall use expansion joints on long conduit runs.
3. Shall not be installed on photovoltaic modules.
C. Enclosures subject to weather shall be rated NEMA 3R or better.

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D. Cable Assemblies and Junction Boxes:

1. Shall be UL-listed.
2. Shall be rated to 5VA flammability per UL 94.
E. Prohibited Wiring Materials: Those which are not UL-listed, or listed
materials used in environments outside those covered in their listing.
2.6 DC-AC INVERTER
A. Shall be listed to UL 1741.`
B. Shall comply with IEEE 519 and IEEE 1547.
C. Shall be listed per FCC Part 15 Class A.1.
D. Shall have stand-alone, utility-interactive, or combined capabilities.
E. Shall include maximum power point tracking (MPPT) features.
F. Shall include anti-islanding protection if paralleling arrangement is
required.
2.7 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES
A. Minimum Performance Parameters as per IBC 1509.7.4, IRC M2302.3, UL
1703.
B. Photovoltaic Panel Types:
1. Monocrystalline: Listed to UL 1703.
2. Polycrystalline: Listed to UL 1703.
3. Thin-Film/Flexible: Listed to UL 1703.
4. Building-Integrated & Solar Shingles: Listed to UL 1703.
C. Module and System Identification
1. Module or Panel:
a. Listed to UL 969 for weather resistance.
b. Listed to UL 1703 for marking contents and format.
2. Main Service Disconnect: per NEC.
3. Identification Content and Format: per NEC.
4. Identification for DC Conduit, Raceways, Enclosures, Cable
Assemblies, and Junction Boxes: IFC 605.
5. Identification for Inverter: per NEC.
D. Bypass diodes shall be built into each PV module either between each
cell or each string of cells.
E. Other Components: per UL 1703.
F. Hail Protection: Compliant with testing procedure per ASTM E-1038.
G. Lightning Protection: Shall ground according to manufacturer
instructions per UL 1703.
H. Access, Pathways, and Smoke Ventilation: Per IFC 605.3, access and
spacing requirements must be observed in order to: ensure access to the

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roof, provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke
ventilation opportunities area, and, where applicable, provide
emergency access egress from the roof.
I. Fire Classification:
1. IBC 1505.8 for building-integrated photovoltaic and solar shingles.
2. IBC 1509.7.2: Although not technically enforceable, every effort
shall be made to ensure the solar photovoltaic module is not
combustible.
//2.8 BATTERY CHARGE CONTROLLER
A. Listed per UL 1741.
B. Charge controller or self-regulating system shall be required for a
stand-alone system with battery storage. Charge controllers adjusting
mechanism shall be accessible only to qualified persons.
C. Shall be capable of withstanding 25% over-amperage while charging for
limited time per the NEC.
D. Charge controller shall include maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and
temperature compensation.//
//2.9 BATTERY
A. General: Comply with NEC. Flooded lead-acid, captive electrolyte lead
acid and nickel-cadmium are acceptable. Consider climate when
selecting battery type.
B. Off-Grid: Always use high-quality, industrial-grade, deep-cycle
batteries.
C. Grid-Interactive with Battery Backup: Best to use sealed-absorbed glass
mat (AGM) batteries specifically designed for emergency standby or
float service.
D. Sizing: For stand-alone systems, size per IEEE 1013 and/or 1562.
E. Installation and Maintenance: Follow practices per IEEE 937.
F. Test and Evaluation:
1. Stand-Alone System: Follow procedures per IEEE 1361.
2. Hybrid System: Follow procedures per IEEE 1661.
G. Optimize Performance and Life: Follow practices per IEEE 1561.
H. Safety and Ventilation:
1. Use protective enclosure and proper ventilation per the NEC.
2. Exposed battery terminals and cable connections shall be protected,
and live parts of batteries shall be guarded. Batteries should be
accessible only to a qualified person via locked room, battery box,
or other container.

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3. Spacing around battery enclosures and boxes and other equipment

shall be at least 915 mm [36 inches]; batteries shall not be
installed in living areas, or below enclosures, panelboards, or load
centers.
4. Prohibited are conductive cases for flooded, lead-acid batteries
operating above 48-volt nominal. Battery racks shall have no
conductive parts within 155 mm [6 inches] of the tops of cases.
5. To reduce risk of electric shock, storage batteries in dwellings
shall operate at less than 50 volts (48-volt nominal battery bank).
Live parts of any battery bank shall be guarded.
I. Interconnection:
1. Per NEC, battery cables shall be a standard building wire type
conductor. Welding and automobile battery cables (listed and non-
listed) are prohibited.
2. Flexible cables, listed for hard service use and moisture
resistance, are permitted (not required) from battery terminals to
nearby junction box and between battery cells. Flexible, highly-
stranded building-wire type cables (USE/RHW and THW) are available.
Battery terminals shall be compatible with flexible cables.//
2.10 COLLECTOR SUPPORTS
A. Wind Resistance Requirement:
1. For rack-mounted: per IBC 1509.7.1.
2. For building-integrated photovoltaic and solar shingles: IBC
1507.17.3.
B. Mechanical Load Requirement: per UL 1703.
C. Ground and Pole Mount:
1. Foundations shall be designed by a licensed Professional Structural
Engineer (PE).
2. Where possible, combiner boxes shall be mounted directly to the pole
itself.
2.10 INSTRUMENTATION
A. Meters: If applicable and system is grid-connected, use net smart meter
provided by the serving electric utility.
B. Sensors:
1. Temperature sensor shall be a component in the MPPT control system.
2. May install additional data acquisition sensors to measure
irradiance, wind speed, and ambient and PV module temperatures. Any

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additional sensors shall require a conduit separate from the current

conductor conduit.
C. Data logger/Monitoring System: Shall be a packaged system capable of
string-level monitoring or in the case of micro-inverters, capable of
monitoring and logging an individual modules information.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Install the solar photovoltaic system in accordance with the NEC, this
section, and the printed instructions of the manufacturer.
B. Prior to system start-up, ensure no copper wire remains exposed with
the exception of grounding wire as allowed in certain circumstances per
manufacturers instructions.
//C. In seismic areas, systems shall be adequately anchored and braced
per details on structural contract documents to withstand seismic
forces at the locations where installed.//
D. Wiring Installation: Workers shall be made aware that photovoltaic
modules will be live and generating electricity when there is any
ambient light source and shall take appropriate precautions. Utilize
on-site measurements in conjunction with engineering designs to
accurately cut wires and layout before making permanent connections.
Locate wires out of the way of windows, doors, openings, and other
hazards. Ensure wires are free of snags and sharp edges that have the
potential to compromise the wire insulation. All cabling shall be
mechanically fastened. If the system is roof-mounted it shall have
direct current ground fault protection according to NEC. Ensure
breakers in combiner box are in the off position (or fuses removed)
during combiner box wiring.
E. Instrumentation: Install instruments as recommended by the
manufacturer. Locate control panels inside a room accessible only to
qualified persons.
F. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Installations: Building-integrated
photovoltaic modules/shingles shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturers installation instructions.
G. Rack-Mounted Photovoltaic Installations: Rack-mounted photovoltaic
modules shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers
installation instructions.

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H. Ground and Pole-Mounted Photovoltaic Installations: If structure is

used as equipment grounding conductor, ensure compliance with NEC.
Wiring shall not be readily accessible.
I. Tracking System Installations: Disconnect shall be within sight of the
tracking motor.
J. Provide safety signage per NEC.
//K. Remove, replace, patch, and repair existing roofing materials and
surfaces cut or damaged during installation of the solar energy
electrical power generation system, by methods and with materials so as
not to void existing roofing system warranty. Notify roof warrantor
before proceeding.//
3.2 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Field Inspection: Perform in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations. Prior to initial operation, inspect the solar energy
electrical power generation system for conformance to drawings,
specifications, and NEC. In addition, include the following:
1. Visual Inspection and Tests:
a. Compare equipment nameplate data with specifications and approved
shop drawings.
b. Inspect physical, electrical, and mechanical condition.
c. Verify required area clearances.
d. Verifying tightness of accessible bolted electrical connections
by calibrated torque-wrench method, or performing thermographic
survey after energization.
e. Verify the correct operation of all sensing devices, alarms, and
indicating devices.
f. Verify that all cable entries from top of junction boxes are
sealed per junction box rating.
g. Verify all connections and integrity of printed circuit boards in
all applicable junction boxes.
B. Tests: Provide equipment and apparatus required for performing tests.
Correct defects disclosed by the tests and repeat tests. Conduct tests
in the presence of the //Resident Engineer// //COR//.
1. Module String Voltage Test: Prior to connecting wiring to the
combiner box, use a digital multi-meter to ensure each series
strings polarity is correct.

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2. Operational Tests: Perform tests in accordance with the

manufacturers written recommendations. Tests for stand-alone
systems shall be performed per IEEE 1526.
3.3 FOLLOW-UP VERIFICATION
A. Upon completion of acceptance checks, settings, and tests, the
Contractor shall show by demonstration in service that the solar
photovoltaic electrical power generation system is in good operating
condition and properly performing the intended function.
3.4 COMMISSIONING
A. Comply with the requirements of Section 01 91 00, GENERAL COMMISSIONING
REQUIREMENTS.
B. If the system is grid-tied, the Contractor shall coordinate with the
serving electric utility to establish an interconnection agreement.
C. Connect the solar photovoltaic electrical power generation system to
the serving electric utility grid only after receiving prior approval
from the utility company.
D. Only qualified personnel shall connect the solar photovoltaic
electrical power generation system to the serving electric utility
grid.
3.5 INSTRUCTION
A. A complete set of operating instructions for the solar photovoltaic
electrical power generation system shall be laminated or mounted under
acrylic glass and installed in a frame near the equipment.
B. Furnish the services of a factory-trained technician for one, 4-hour
training period for instructing personnel in the maintenance and
operation of the solar photovoltaic electrical power generation system,
on the date requested by the //Resident Engineer// //COR//.
---END---

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