2. 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.
3. • 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
6. Development
From the code experts
from the ICC and solar
experts from the SRCC
You get the best of
both worlds.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. Commercial Systems (CS) Sections
• Administrative
• Definitions
• General Provisions
• Solar Thermal
• Photovoltaic
• Alternate Compliance
Provisions
• Reference Standards
10. Residential Systems (RS) Sections
• Administrative
• Definitions
• General Provisions
• Solar Thermal
• Photovoltaic
• Alternate Compliance
Provisions
• Reference Standards
• Appendix: Solar-Ready
Construction
11. Solar Thermal Topics
• Access
• Freeze protection
• Pressure/Temp. Control
• Cross-connection control
& Backflow • Heat transfer fluids
• Insulation
• Materials
• Heat exchangers
• Piping
• Mounting
• Glazing
13. 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)
14. 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.
15. 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
17. 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.
18. 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
Editor's Notes
This presentation provides an introduction to the ISEP – the International Solar Energy Provisions, recently released by the International Code Council and Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. We believe it provides a novel and effective new resource to provide quick access and deployment of the latest regulatory material for solar energy systems.
This unique publication provides easy access to all solar-related provisions in the 2015 I-Code family. It also provide important support resources such as model permitting checklists, orientation guidance and select reference standards to make it the most comprehensive collection of regulatory material for solar energy systems available today.
An accompanying commentary adds clear explanatory descriptions, rich images and diagrams, and significantly – the relevant provisions from the National Electrical Code (NEC) also known as NFPA 70.
Why did we create the ISEP?
Installations of solar energy systems are increasing like never before. Code officials, system designers and contractors need to have ready access to the latest codes and standards to ensure that these systems are installed properly.
Since solar systems touch on different aspects of a building, the provisions that relate to them are found in various I-Codes and code sections. Roofing, structural, electrical plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation and even pools all touch on solar. Recognizing the need for ready access to these provisions, we pulled them together in one book….. the ISEP.
The ISEP is not a new code. It simply pulls existing solar provisions together from codes including the IBC, IPC, IMC, and IFC (and in the case of the commentary, the NEC). Upon review, ICC found that there was no need for a new code, the provisions already existed in the codes. What was needed was an easy way to access it.
It was also recognized that having access to key design standards was also important. For this reason, SRCC’s Standard 100 for Solar Thermal Collectors and SRCC Standard 300 for Solar Thermal Systems are in the ISEP too. Because, these standards are cited in the 2015 IRC, among other codes, and are provided in their entirety for easy reference.
The ISEP covers different kinds of solar energy system and installations. That means that it includes provisions for photovoltaic technologies that generate electricity, commonly referred to as PV, as well as solar thermal (solar heating and cooling) systems. For solar thermal, it addresses glazed, unglazed, evacuated tubing, ICS (itegrated collector storage) and even concentrating types of collectors
It addresses the application of both technology types to residential and commercial installations.
All in one book.
The ISEP was compiled by the staff of the International Code Council and the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. ICC knows code, SRCC, the newest member of the ICC Family of Companies, has over 35 years of experience rating and certifying solar energy systems. Their combined expertise created the most comprehensive collection of solar codes and standards available.
ICC and SRCC worked hard to bring the information together from the various codes in a way that flows well and makes sense.
But at the same time, each section of the ISEP has it’s own numbering system and identity. It doesn’t forget where it came from, though, and provides a reference back the original location of each provision. That way, if you want to go back to the source, it’s quick and easy.
The ISEP is organized into two parts; one addressing Commercial Applications and the other Residential. Each section is able to stand alone. These are followed by the SRCC standards referenced in the codes.
The complete text of the SRCC solar thermal standards for collectors and systems then follow
Next, several added resources to help implement the codes and standards and provide context.
Finally, in the case of the ISEP Commentary, we’re please to announce the addition of the relevant sections of the National Electrical Code – NFPA 70. This addition completes the full range of codes needed for PV installations.
In the Commercial Section the provisions are denoted with the acronym CS. The section includes administrative provisions, definitions, and a list of all the standards that are cited for commercial. Alternate compliance material from the ICC energy and pool codes are also provided as well.
In the Residential section, provisions are denoted with the acronym RS. Like the commercial section before it, it contains administrative provisions, definitions, and a list of reference standards pertaining to residential. Energy and pools are covered in the alternate compliance section for residential too.
There’s also an appendix to address optional requirements that would set aside an area on the rooftop of new construction for the future installation of solar energy systems. We call this Solar Ready Construction.
Shawn: The solar thermal provisions in both the commercial and residential sections cover a wide range of topics to ensure the safe operation of these systems. For commercial systems, they are addressed primarily in chapter 14 of the IMC. From there it references the IBC, IFC, IPC and other codes. Residential systems are centered in Chapter 23 of the IRC, which in turn references other chapters of the IRC and the SRCC standards.
PV is addressed in the IBC, IFC and other codes. Electrical provisions are addressed in NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (which is not included in the ISEP, but does appear in the ISEP Commentary).
The I-Codes cover topics relating to the integration with building, such as access, roof coverings, fire classifications and structural provisions.
Alternate Compliance Methods are sections in the pool and energy codes that make exceptions to certain requirements where solar energy systems are installed.
For example, Section C403 of the IECC contains an exception for fan systems, so that Energy Recovery Ventilation is not required when more than 60% of the outdoor heating energy comes from solar.
Resource sections at the end of the ISEP provide valuable added information to help you make the most of your codes and standards.
Resource Section A provides an expedited permitting checklist that can be used by jurisdictions seeking to fast-track solar permitting processes. This generic checklist was developed based on existing checklists in use in several jurisdictions around the United States currently.
Resource Section B addresses site material from the DOE covering orientation and site considerations to get the most from a solar system.
A new commentary book for the ISEP has also been developed with code professionals, installers and designers in mind. It features explanations, images, and diagrams to help the reader understand the intent and application of the code. Our hope is that this will both expand code knowledge for solar systems, but also lead to more uniformity in the implementation of that code.
ICC-SRCC staff and subject matter experts developed the commentary for the ISEP. The diagrams developed clearly show features, details and operation to help the reader understand the code and common system types and implementations.
ISEP is a revolutionary new approach to multi-disciplinary systems like solar energy systems and provide a new way for jurisdictions and countries to obtain access to the very latest regulatory material. Our hope is that this material will be used to allow solar systems to continue their incredible growth in the safest manner possible. We’re looking forward to future versions of the ISEP as codes and standards continue to evolve and the industry continues to innovate.
You can purchase the ISEP in the ICC Bookstore. It’s available in hardcopy or electronic download. ICC and SRCC members get a discounted price. ISEP Commentary will be shipping on 9/22
Just go to SHOP.ICCSAFE.ORG/ISEP to order your book.
