Scope
During construction, add a 1 inch metal conduit from the Photovoltaic array to the designated inverter location, and add a second 1 inch metal conduit from the inverter location to the electrical service panel.
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 Certified Homes, and EPA Indoor airPLUS.
Description
A conduit is intended to protect the wiring leading from the PV array to the inverter and from the inverter to the electrical service panel. The ends of the conduit should be clearly labeled, particularly if the intent is to install the PV system at a later date. In areas subject to environmental concerns or hazards, the stub outs should be properly sealed and/or capped to prevent contamination.
To meet the requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, install a 1-inch metal conduit from the designated array location to the designated inverter location with the end of the conduit clearly labeled as a Renewable Energy Ready Home component and indicating its purpose and intended use. The conduit run should be identified on electrical and architectural diagrams to be provided to the homeowner.
How to Install a Wiring Conduit for a Future Solar Photovoltaic System:
- Designate a proposed location for the solar photovoltaic system on the roof.
- Install a 1-inch metal conduit from the attic to the future location of the inverter.
- Begin conduit about 6 inches above the finished insulation depth directly below the designated array location in the attic. Ensure the conduit location in the attic provides at least 18-in. of space below the roof deck and is easily accessible for the future solar installer.
- Run the wiring conduit through the home so that the overall length of the conduit is minimized.
- Ensure there are three or fewer 90-degree turns from the attic to the designated 4 ftx 4 ft plywood area or provide for accessible pull boxes, as required by the National Electric Code.
- Terminate the conduit at the bottom edge of the 4 ft x 4 ft plywood backing for a future inverter. (Optional) For aesthetic reasons, terminate into a flush mount junction or pull box near the bottom edge of the plywood area.
- Install a 1-inch metal conduit from the designated inverter location to the electrical service panel.
- To facilitate the wiring of the solar PV system at a later date, the builder may also want to include a pull line in the conduit, particularly if the overall conduit run is lengthy or has multiple bends.
- Cap and label both ends of both conduit runs so the text is visible and upright (if possible). The label should read, “Renewable Energy Ready Home – Solar Photovoltaic Wiring Conduit.”
Success
Ensure adequate utility room size and location for the solar water heating and photovoltaic system components early in the house design process.
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 solar photovoltaic system from bulk moisture, high temperatures, and direct sunlight. The utility room should be properly ventilated and maintain average indoor temperatures.
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)
M2301 Solar Energy Systems (Solar Thermal Energy Systems in 2015, 2018, and 2021 IRC) - See requirements for solar water heating systems.
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).
2014 National Electric Code (NEC)
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
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?