Photovoltaic and Solar-Thermal Technologies in Residential Building Codes

<p>This report describes the building code requirements and impediments to applying photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal technologies in residential buildings (one- or two-family dwellings). It reviews six modern model building codes that represent the codes to be adopted by most locations in the coming years: International Residential Code First Draft (IRC) International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) International Mechanical Code (IMC) International Plumbing Code (IPC) International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and National Electrical Code (NEC). The IRC may become the basis for many of the building codes in the United States after it is released in 2000 and it references the other codes that will also likely become applicable at that time. These codes are reviewed as they apply to photovoltaic systems in buildings and building-integrated photovoltaic systems and to active-solar domestic hot-water and space-heating systems. The first discussion is on general code issues that impact these technologies--for example solar access and sustainability. Then secondly the discussion investigates the relationship of the technologies to the codes providing examples while keeping two major issues in mind: How do the codes treat these technologies as building components? and Do the IECC and other codes allow reasonable credit for the energy impacts of the technologies? The codes can impact the implementation of the above technologies in several ways: (1) The technology is not mentioned in the codes. It may be an obstacle to implementing the technology and the solution is to develop appropriate explicit sections or language in the codes. (2) The technology is discussed by the codes but the language is confusing or ambiguous. The solution is to clarify the language. (3) The technology is discussed in the codes but the discussion is spread over several sections or different codes. Practitioners may not easily find all of the relevant material that should be considered. The s</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>