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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/solar-nfpa1-street-side

NFPA 1 requires at least one roof access pathway on a solar home to be on which side?

The street or driveway side.

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  1. The street or driveway side ✔
  2. The backyard side
  3. Whichever side gets the least sun

Why: Fire trucks and ladders arrive from the street or driveway. A pathway on that side lets crews get onto the roof quickly. This is the NFPA 1 model fire code (2015 and later editions); your local fire code may differ.

Huh, didn't know that: NFPA 1 also wants a pathway on, next to, or straddling the roof plane that holds the panels.

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How do you get down from an aerial ladder? You don't get down from an aerial ladder. You get down from a duck.
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References

Answer: The street or driveway side. Fire trucks and ladders arrive from the street or driveway. A pathway on that side lets crews get onto the roof quickly. This is the NFPA 1 model fire code (2015 and later editions); your local fire code may differ.

  1. NFPA: Residential Solar Panel Requirements www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2024/02/29/residential-solar-panel-requirements
    One access pathway must be on the street or driveway side.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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