Scope
Include adequate, sturdy wall space for balance of system components when building a Renewable Energy Ready Home (RERH).
- Attach a piece of plywood to the wall for mounting solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment including the inverter, meter and shut off switch.
- Take into account space requirements and layout for solar photovoltaic system components early in the design process.
See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.
Description
A renewable energy-ready home (RERH) is one that is built with the wiring and plumbing conduit and other components in place to facilitate the future installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or solar water heating panels. Some energy-efficiency programs, like the U.S. Department of Energy’s DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program, require homes to be renewable-energy ready.
Solar PV system inverters can be quite heavy (>80 pounds), necessitating a solid backing to mount the inverter. To meet the requirement for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, a 4ft x 4ft piece of finished plywood should be mounted near the electrical service panel for the PV balance of system components, including the inverter, meters and disconnects.
The purpose of the plywood backing is to
- Ensure a dedicated space for these components.
- Provide a secure foundation for mounting future equipment.
- Facilitate the future installation of these components by the installer.
The 4 ft. x 4 ft. plywood sheet should be fastened to the wall studs and mounted so that its center is roughly 4.5 feet above the floor. The dedicated inverter area may be located inside or outside the home. In either case, the dedicated inverter location should be free of direct sunlight, excessive heat, or any harsh or extreme weather conditions. It is also recommended that the inverter mounting area not share a common wall with a living space, such as an adjacent bedroom, where slight noise and vibration may be considered a nuisance. In all cases, the builder should conform to all local or national codes when meeting this specification.
The builder should clearly identify the location of the designated area on electrical and architectural diagrams. This area should be labeled as the RERH balance of system component.
How to Designate Space for the Balance of System Board
- To meet the requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, designate a dedicated space approximately 4.5 ft above the floor for the future balance of system components, 4 ft tall by 4 ft wide. Consider locating the wall space directly beneath the roof space for the future PV system to minimize the wiring conduit required.
- Label the space by placing a water resistant 10 in. x 6 in. label or sign in the center of the plywood that reads “Renewable Energy Ready Home - Solar PV Inverter/Service Panel Location.”
- Record the balance of system wall location on the floor plan to be provided to the homeowner.
The Balance-of-System (BOS) components include all of the electrical, mechanical and hardware elements integrated into the PV system (see Figure 1). Some of those elements are: the inverter, the charge controller, disconnect switches, the rack and mounting system for the array, and a battery bank. Many of the BOS components need to be protected from the weather elements. The parts that are required to be installed in weather-resistant enclosure require proper working and maintenance clearances. A secure mounting space is required for those components as well.
Inverter
This converts the direct current (DC) power coming off of the panels (or from the battery bank) into alternating current (AC), the convention for household electricity. Inverters vary in terms of their capacity (how much electrical current they can handle) and the “quality” of the AC they produce (some household loads—lights, appliances—can tolerate lower-grade current, while others—printers, computers—have more exacting needs).
Charge Controller
This manages the flow of electrical power from the panels to the battery bank and household loads.
Battery Bank
PV systems need deep-cycle batteries; this means that they are almost always lead-acid, big, and heavy. The cost of a battery bank depends on its capacity—just how much electricity is needed in storage to deal with nighttime power needs and cloudy days. While charging, batteries produce hydrogen gas; therefore, if used, battery banks require proper ventilation for safe operation. When handling leaky batteries, use care to avoid damage from the sulfuric acid.
Success
Ensure adequate utility room early in the house design process to allow for ample space for solar photovoltaic (PV) and water heating system components. Confirm with local code officials early in the design process what steps are needed to guarantee that installation of PV panels will meet with local codes, homeowner's association covenants, and historic district regulations.
Protect the electrical and mechanical components of the PV system from bulk moisture, high temperatures, and direct sunlight. The utility room should be properly ventilated and maintain average indoor temperatures. Proper clearances and working spaces should also be maintained.
Climate
The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist (Revision 07) is required only under the following condition related to climate (See the Compliance Tab for other exceptions):
- Location, based on zip code, has at least 5 kWh/m2/day average daily solar radiation based on annual solar insolation using the PVWatts online tool. See map below.
Training
Compliance
Compliance
The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)
Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
Exhibit 1, Item 7) Provisions of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist are Completed.
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist (Revision 07)
- Install a 1” metal conduit for the DC wire run from the designated array location to the designated inverter location (cap and label both ends). (RERHPV Guide 3.2)
- Install a 1” metal conduit from designated inverter location to electrical service panel (cap and label both ends). (RERHPV Guide 3.3)
- Install and label a 4’ x 4’ plywood panel area for mounting an inverter and balance of system components. (RERHPV Guide 3.1)
Alternative: Blocking is permitted to be used as an alternative to the 4’ x 4’ panel. The area designated for the future panel to mount PV components shall be clearly noted in the system documentation. - Install a 70-amp dual pole circuit breaker in the electrical service panel for use by the PV system (label the service panel) (RERHPV Guide 3.4)
Alternative: Provide a labeled slot for a double-pole breaker in the electrical service.
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements Mandatory Requirement 7 (Renewable Ready) shall be met by any home certified under the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, only where all of the following conditions are met:
- Location, based on zip code has at least 5 kWh/m2/day average daily solar radiation based on annual solar insolation using PVWatts online tool, AND;
- Location does not have significant natural shading (e.g., trees, tall buildings on the south-facing roof, AND;
- Home as designed has adequate free roof area within +/-45° of true south as noted in the table below.
Community Solar - If a home is served by a community solar system, it does not have to meet the PV-Ready Checklist provisions.
Multifamily - For multifamily buildings, the PV-Ready provisions may be applied to the electric service for the building’s common space instead of being applied to each dwelling unit.
2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Section 401.3. A permanent certificate shall be posted on or near the electrical distribution panel that lists types and efficiencies of water heating, heating, and cooling equipment, as well as insulation R values, and window U and SHGC factors.
Retrofit: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IECC
Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)
Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.
2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
Follow the requirements for solar water heating systems found in the IRC Section M2301 Solar Energy Systems (Solar Thermal Energy Systems in 2015, 2018, and 2021 IRC).
Retrofit: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IRC
Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)
Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.
2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
Follow the requirements for solar water heating systems found in the IMC, Chapter 14, Solar Systems (Solar Thermal Systems in 2018 and 2021 IMC).
Follow the requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems found in the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC), Article 690, PV Power Systems, and Article 110, Requirements for Electrical Installations.
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More Info.
Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.
Building Science Corporation, lead for the Building Science Consortium (BSC), a DOE Building America Research Team
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Sales
Solar Electric Ready Home = Solar Electric Ready Home
As solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have significantly come down in price, many homeowners are installing them to produce clean power and reduce their electric bills. Many more homeowners are likely to want this option for the future. Solar electric-ready homes make this possible with minimal to no disruption or cost penalty using simple no-cost/low-cost details and best practices integrated during construction. This includes ensuring adequate unshaded roof space for the PV panels, installing conduit from the attic to the electric service panel, securing documentation that the roof is designed to support the extra weight of the PV array, and providing adequate space near the electrical panel for balance of system components.
Sales Message
Solar electric ready homes include additional design features and details that enable solar electric systems to be added in the future with minimal or no cost penalty. What this means to you is that your home is ready to offset all or most of its annual energy consumption with a solar electric system. Wouldn’t you agree it feels great to have the power to eliminate most or all of your utility bill whenever you want?