2015 International Solar

Energy Code Overview

International Code Council &

Solar Rating & Certification Corporation

Introduction

• International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP) and commentary

• Unique publications that bring together all solar provisions from the 2015 I-Code Family, NEC and key reference standards.

• That’s the number of distributed PV installations in the U.S. in 2013 (and it’s 65% more than 2012)

• Code officials, designers and installers need quick access to the best codes and standards.

REASONS FOR THE ISEP (AND COUNTING)…

51 4 0 0 0

The ISEP Brings it All Together

Coverage

ISEP

PhotovoltaicSystems

ResidentialConstruction

CommercialConstruction

Solar ThermalSystems

DevelopmentFrom the code experts from the ICC and solar experts from the SRCC

You get the best of both worlds.

ISEP doesn’t forget where it came from.

ISEP features its own numbering system.

At the same time, it also features the original code

book and section the provision was taken from.

So you never have to wonder how you got here.

Organization

Commercial (CS)

• Solar Thermal Systems

• Photovoltaic Systems

Residential (RS)

• Solar Thermal Systems

• Photovoltaic Systems

SRCC Standards

• Standard 100 & 600

• Standard 300

Resources

• A:Solar Permitting Checklist and Submittal

• B: Solar Site Access

• National Electrical Code (NEC) Solar Provisions from NFPA

Commercial Systems (CS) Sections

• Administrative

• Definitions

• General Provisions

• Solar Thermal

• Photovoltaic

• Alternate Compliance Provisions

• Reference Standards

Residential Systems (RS) Sections

• Administrative

• Definitions

• General Provisions

• Solar Thermal

• Photovoltaic

• Alternate Compliance Provisions

• Reference Standards

• Appendix: Solar-Ready Construction

Solar Thermal Topics

• Access

• Freeze protection

• Pressure/Temp. Control

• Cross-connection control & Backflow • Heat transfer fluids

• Insulation

• Materials

• Heat exchangers

• Piping

• Mounting

• Glazing

PhotoVoltaic Topics

• Access

• Setbacks and pathways

• Roof coverings

• Fire classification

• Structural loading

• Ground-mounted arrays

Alternate Compliance Methods

Use of solar energy systems for various

applications provides alternate compliance options

in both the IECC and ISPSC

• ERV Requirements (IECC)

• Variable air volume control (IECC)

• Supply-air temperature reset controls (IECC)

• Heat recovery for service water (IECC)

• Pump time switches and covers for pools (ISPSC and IECC)

Additional Resources

SOLAR PERMITTING CHECKLIST• Checklists and submittal requirements

for jurisdictions seeking to expedite permitting for solar projects.

SOLAR SITE ACCESS• Resources from the U.S. DOE

addressing proper location and orientation to get the most from a solar system in your location.

ISEP Commentary

• Explanatory text to help explain the intent and application of ISEP Provisions

• Many diagrams and images

• ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria AC 428 Modular Framing Systems Used to Support PV Panels

• National Electrical Code (NEC) Solar Provisions

ISEP Commentary Diagrams

NEC Solar Provisions (NFPA 70)

Applies to solar thermal and PV but largely associated with PV

• General requirements

• Conductors

• Circuits

• Disconnects

• Bonding

• PV Modules

NFPA 70 is a copyrighted publication of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is reproduced in the ISEP under agreement with NFPA.

Conclusion

• For more information, see the ICC website.

• ISEP is available in PDF download or hardcopy

• ISEP Commentary is available for pre-order, shipping on 22 September, 2015.

Shawn Martin, smartin@iccsafe.org

www.iccsafe.org/ISEP