Are OG-300 certifications mandatory in the U.S.?

While obtaining an OG-300 certification from ICC-SRCC (or any other certification body) is voluntary, it is required by dozens of incentive programs and regulations nationwide. Therefore, in order to install or qualify for vital solar thermal incentives, an OG-300 certification is required in many specific locations. Just a few of the examples include:

• California CSI Thermal Program

• Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credits

• Arizona Solar and Wind Equipment Certification

• Minnesota Solar Equipment Certification Requirement

• Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard

• New Hampshire Residential Solar Water Heating Rebate

• EPA ENERGY STAR –Residential Water Heaters

There are too many other programs which prescribe OG-300 to list here. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), which is produced by NC State University for the U.S. DOE.

Several model codes now also require compliance with SRCC Standard 300. These include:

• 2015 & 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)*

• 2015 Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code (USEHC)**

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC)*

• 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)*

• 2015 & 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)*

• *Copyrighted publication of the International Code Council (ICC)
• ** Copyrighted publication of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

For jurisdictions that have adopted these model codes as the basis for their state or local code, compliance with Standard 300 will likely be required. Check with your local jurisdiction for details.

Check with your local jurisdiction for details.

The 2015 IRC, for example, and requires third-party certification to reference standards:

• P2609.4 Third-party certification Plumbing products and materials required by the code to be in compliance with a referenced standard shall be listed by a third-party certificationagency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with Section P2609.1.

Simply put, OG-300 certification is the best way to ensure that your solar thermal system will meet local regulations and incentive program requirements anywhere in the U.S.