The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies. There are many types of consumer reporting agencies, including credit bureaus and specialty agencies (such as agencies that sell information about check writing histories, medical records, and rental history records). Here is a […]
Part 3 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. To provide communities with the information they need to enact and enforce floodplain management ordinances or laws, FEMA conducts floodplain studies for communities throughout the United States and publishes the results in Flood Insurance Studies (FISs) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) (Figure 2-14). Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps […]
Part 2 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. The NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. The three goals of the CRS are to: Reduce flood losses Facilitate accurate insurance rating Promote awareness of flood insurance When communities participate in […]
Part 4 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. What about permits? If you live in a community in which a homeowners association requires approval for a solar system, you or your PV provider may need to submit your plans. Gain approval from your homeowners association before you begin installing your PV […]
Part 1 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. In most communities throughout the United States, construction in floodplains is governed by combinations of Federal, State, and local regulations. At the Federal level, FEMA administers the NFIP. Congress created the NFIP in 1968 when it passed the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA). The NFIP is a voluntary program […]
Part 4 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. You may have been told that your home is in “the 100-year” floodplain, or you may have heard that term used to describe a specific flood. You may also have heard similar terms used, such as “50-year flood” or “500-year flood.” These terms can be […]
Part 2 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. The depth and elevation of flooding are so closely related that, for the purposes of this discussion, they can be viewed as a single characteristic. Flood depth is the height of the floodwater above the surface of the ground or other feature at a specific […]
Contrary to the popular image of fresh air and peaceful surroundings, a farm is not a hazard-free work setting. Every year, thousands of farm workers are injured and hundreds more die in farming accidents. According to the National Safety Council, agriculture is the most hazardous industry in the nation. Health and Safety Hazards on Farms […]
The National Electric Code (NEC) was established in 1897 to ensure safety in all systems that generate, store, transport, and consume electricity. You or the dealer who installs your PV system should be careful to follow NEC’s equipment requirements so that the PV system can be approved by local electric code officials. Be aware that […]
Part 14 of Get Your Power from the Sun. Connecting your photovoltaic system to the utility grid will require an interconnection agreement and a purchase and sale agreement. Federal law and some state public utility commission regulations require utilities to supply you with an interconnection agreement. Some utilities have developed simplified, standardized interconnection agreements for […]
Part 13 of Get Your Power from the Sun. For grid-connected photovoltaic systems, your electric utility will require that you enter into an interconnection agreement (see also the next section). Usually, these agreements set forth the minimum insurance requirements to keep in force. If you are buying a photovoltaic system for your home, your standard […]
Part 12 of Heat Your Water With The Sun. Will I need any permits or inspections? If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check to see if any approvals, permits, or inspections are required. Always obtain the necessary approvals from the association before beginning construction. Homeowners associations, towns, cities, and counties usually […]