Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ICC-SRCC makes its services available to all applicants whose products fall within the scope of its services and qualifications. Access to ICC-SRCC certifications is not conditional based upon the size of the applicant or membership with any association or group, nor upon the number of certificates already issued. Click here to learn more about the application process.

When manufacturers apply for a new ICC-SRCC certification, they provide basic information needed to get the process started. But once we get underway, we will need more detailed information about your product to confirm that it complies with standards and to generate performance ratings (if applicable). The information needed varies depending on the certification being sought and the characteristics of the product. Click here for a list of the information needed for each program.

No. In the U.S., photovoltaic (PV) modules are must be listed to UL 1703 or UL 61730 to satisfy the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and the International Building Code (IBC). SRCC does not currently list PV modules to these standards. Instead, SRCC provides certifications and listings for solar thermal collectors and related products. Solar thermal collectors harvest solar radiation, converting it to thermal energy (heat) in a fluid. Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

SRCC does certify solar heating and cooling products that make use of listed PV modules in items like PV Water Heaters, Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Collectors (PVTs) and solar water heaters using PV-powered pumps. But in each case, the PV module component used must be listed for electrical safety by an approved listing agency before it can be used in a product or system certified by SRCC.

Listing of electrical products must be provided a listing agency designated by OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. Click here for a list of current NRTLs. Note that while all listing agencies on the list are NRTLs, not all list PV modules. To find those that are approved specifically for PV module listing, click on the MORE button for any organization, and then the link entitled "Recognized Testing Standards" on the page that follows. Check to be sure that they are recognized for UL 1703 and/or UL 61730 to confirm that they are accredited to list PV modules.

There are several factors that could cause the solar fraction for the Very Small Usage Pattern to be lower than the Low Usage Pattern.

1. The DOE Hot Water Usage Patterns withdraw different amounts of water at different times of the day.  The timing and amount of each hot water draw relative to the amount and timing of the solar energy being collected impacts the total annual solar fraction.
2. The relative impact of system inefficiencies is different for the different DOE Water Usage Patterns.  The ICC-SRCC performance models also account for the standby losses (energy lost as the hot water stored in the tank cools) and parasitic losses (energy used to run components like pumps).  For the 10 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses and the hot water draw is comparable to the standby losses for a basic electric resistance tank.  But for the 84 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses are 13% of the hot water draw.
3. The impact of enclosed volume in piping between the collector and hot water system varies with draw size. For all OG-300 ratings, the piping between the collector and hot water system is assumed to be 25 feet each way.  For ½” copper piping, that results in 0.33 gallons enclosed in the piping.  For ¾” copper piping that number grows to 0.67 gallons.  For the DOE Very Small Usage Draw Pattern (shown below), the individual draws are very small, leading to relatively small amounts of hot water from some passive rooftop-mounted systems reaching the backup water heater for a given draw.  For example, if a 0.5 gallon draw is started, and ¾” pipe extends from the rooftop system to the backup water heater, none of the water heated by solar reaches the backup heater before the draw ends.  Therefore none of the water heated by solar enters the hot water system.  Instead, it sits in the piping and cools significantly before the next hot water draw.  Even for larger draws, relatively little water heated by solar enters the backup water heater.  Using the same example, a 2.0 gallon draw with 3/4” piping results in only 1.3 gallons of water heated by solar reaching the backup water heater during the draw.  In this situation, the backup water heater must supply a larger percentage of the hot water called for in the hot water draw.  Plus, after a draw, colder water is introduced from the water supply that must then be heated to meet the needs of the next hot water draw. For active systems that use a pump to circulate the hot water between the collector and a separate tank, this effect is far less pronounced.  These pumps usually activate when the water in the collector reaches a pre-set temperature range and deliver it to the tank regardless of whether a draw is occurring.

Performance in real-world conditions will vary based on differing tubing lengths and sizes, controls, system designs and actual hot water draws.  But for OG-300 ratings, variables like the piping length is held constant to allow for comparison between the performance of different systems using the same hot water draws.

When a manufacturer gets a product tested by a testing laboratory, it’s a one-time activity.  The test lab will test samples of the product and check that they conform to the requirements of a standard or other specification. When it is completed, the manufacturer receives a test report that indicates whether the product complied with the requirements - at the time the testing was done.

Having a product evaluated by a Certification Body (CB) may use information from a test lab, but goes much further. It involves evaluation of both the product itself AND the production (manufacturing) process to the requirements of a Certification Scheme. Certification Schemes are based on regional, national or international standards together with any other criteria deemed necessary by the scheme owner. Many times, the CB will utilize results of third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory as part of the product evaluation.

For example, SRCC manages a Certification Scheme for solar water thermal collectors used in North America.  It is based in part on the ANSI standard ICC 901/SRCC 100, which is required by building codes.  Collectors must be tested by an approved ISO 17025 accredited lab as specified in the ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard.  SRCC uses the test report as part of its evaluation of the product.  Under the OG-100 certification scheme, SRCC also determines performance ratings of the collectors.  If the the product evaluation is completed successfully, the ongoing factory evaluation includes an audit of the quality management system (QMS).  This ensures that the products that are manufactured and sold can be produced to the same, consistent quality level and performance as the tested product, time after time. The QMS is re-evaluated annually by SRCC to ensure continued compliance with the requirements of the OG-100 certification scheme.

Successful applicants for certification are usually granted a Certificate of Conformity and the right to use of a Certification Mark to apply to the product. The Certification Mark allows manufacturers to demonstrate that their product continues to meet the quality and safety standards required by the scheme.

The differences are summarized below.

Test Laboratory

• Tests product only
• Tests for conformity with any requirements, which could be the manufacturer’s own specification, product standard or other
• Issues a test report
• One-off process, no follow-up.
• Any subsequent changes to the product are not covered
• Accreditation to ISO 17025 for Testing Laboratories

Certification Body

• Evaluates both the product and production process
• Tests for compliance with the requirements outlined in a Certification Scheme which is based on national, regional or international standards, together with any other requirements deemed necessary by the Scheme Owner
• If successful, issues a Certificate of Conformity and grants permission to use a Certification Mark
• Ongoing process to demonstrate continued conformity with the scheme’s requirements
• Accreditation to ISO 17065 for Certification Bodies

Yes, ICC-SRCC holds several accreditations and approvals for the services it offers.

ICC-SRCC is accredited by A2LA to ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity Assessment – Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes, and Services for a wide range of codes and standards in the U.S. See Certificates 3299.01 and 3299.03 on the A2LA website for more information.

ICC-SRCC is also approved the U.S. EPA to certify solar water heaters under the ENERGY STAR Residential Water Heater program.

ICC-SRCC is approved by the City of Los Angeles, California as a Listing Agency, through the Department of Building & Safety's Mechanical Testing Laboratory.

Click here for more information on our various accreditations.

If you wish to request a quote for services, visit the SRCC portal. Or click here to contact us with any other question you may have.

The processing time will vary with each application, depending on the type of services requested, product type, availability of application submittals, and the number of other applications in process. Generally, however, we estimate 4-6 weeks once we have received all of the necessary information on your product.

SRCC's OG certification programs assess compliance with one of the ICC/SRCC ANSI standards. They include:

• OG-100 for solar thermal collectors (ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard)
• OG-300 for solar water heating systems (ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard)
• OG-500 for thermal energy storage devices(ICC 903/SRCC 500 standard)

Additionally, each certification includes appropriate standardized SRCC performance ratings. Generally, each certification applies to one product or system.

Listings involve are an assessment of a product or system’s compliance with the relevant requirements of other documents, like codes or standards produced by other organizations. A single listing may include several codes and standards, and may also cover many products from the manufacturer. They do not include additional information like ratings, just a simple pass/fail determination. An example is listings of solar pool heaters to the ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 standard.

Click on any of the links above to get more information on any of these programs.

Yes, there is an annual fee required in order to renew certifications in each OG program and for listings. If changes are made to the certified product, they may also result in Editorial or Technical Modification fees (depending on the nature of the change).

Inspections of production quality systems are generally required every two years, with self-assessments on intervening years. Fees for inspections are are based on the location of facility and type of inspection. Contact us for more information on the fees for your facility.

SRCC certifications are valid for a period of one year and are eligible for renewal annually.

If testing is required for the certification (e.g. for solar collectors), they are valid for a period of 10 years from the date of issuance of the report. After that time period elapses, the manufacturer must submit a new test report in order to continue certification of the collector. In some cases, however, it may be possible to extend the applicability of a test report older than 10 years. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether any changes to the test methodologies have been implemented or to the product in the intervening years.

Certification holders must also notify SRCC of any design changes to the collectors and comply with all inspection requirements, SRCC staff will remind you of upcoming renewals in advance to help you ensure that there is no gap in your coverage. The expiration date of each certification and listing is marked clearly in the directory and on the certification document.

New versions of model codes are released generally released every 3-5 years in North America. New versions of standards are released periodically, but not always on a predictable schedule. When any of the codes or standards to which ICC-SRCC lists solar heating and cooling products are updated, ICC-SRCC staff will review the new documents for changes impacting listings. Staff will then communicate a schedule to implement the new version of the code or standard in the ICC-SRCC Listing Program. After the effective date, all new listings and renewals will be conducted to the new code or standard version.

ICC-SRCC staff reviews certifications and listings at the time of renewal and will determine whether they require updates. If manual changes or testing are required to update a certification or listing, listees will be provided with a reasonable period of time submit the updated materials.

OG-100 certificates contain information geared toward consumers, code officials, incentive program operators and solar system design professionals.

• Consumers: OG-100 ratings can be used to compare the performance of different collectors on a consistent basis to get a true "apples to apples" comparison. This can help select the right product for your application.
• Code Officials: Building codes throughout the US and Canada require that solar thermal collectors comply with industry standards like ICC 901/SRCC 100. A current OG-100 certificate provides proof to code officials that the product has been evaluated to the listed standard by ICC-SRCC staff and meets comprehensive third-party certification program requirements.
• Design Professionals: Designers of solar thermal systems need key performance values for solar thermal collectors. This is used to properly size and configure the system for the intended use. Information like efficiency equations and incident angle modifiers serve as inputs to modeling software to characterize the performance of each collector.

For a more information on each feature of OG-100 certificates for domestic water heating collectors, click here. Or for pool heating collectors, click here.

When manufacturers apply for a new ICC-SRCC certification, they provide basic information needed to get the process started. But once we get underway, we will need more detailed information about your product to confirm that it complies with standards and to generate performance ratings (if applicable). The information needed varies depending on the certification being sought and the characteristics of the product. Click here for a list of the information needed for each program.

No. ENERGY STAR certification under the Residential Water Heater Program is only available for complete solar water heating systems. The entire system must be certified under the OG-300 program to qualify for ENERGY STAR. And since OG-300 systems must make use of a solar thermal collector certified as a component to OG-100, all ENERGY STAR certified water heaters do include OG-100 certified collectors. But ENERGY STAR certification is not available for the collector alone.

No. In the U.S., photovoltaic (PV) modules are must be listed to UL 1703 or UL 61730 to satisfy the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and the International Building Code (IBC). SRCC does not currently list PV modules to these standards. Instead, SRCC provides certifications and listings for solar thermal collectors and related products. Solar thermal collectors harvest solar radiation, converting it to thermal energy (heat) in a fluid. Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

SRCC does certify solar heating and cooling products that make use of listed PV modules in items like PV Water Heaters, Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Collectors (PVTs) and solar water heaters using PV-powered pumps. But in each case, the PV module component used must be listed for electrical safety by an approved listing agency before it can be used in a product or system certified by SRCC.

Listing of electrical products must be provided a listing agency designated by OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. Click here for a list of current NRTLs. Note that while all listing agencies on the list are NRTLs, not all list PV modules. To find those that are approved specifically for PV module listing, click on the MORE button for any organization, and then the link entitled "Recognized Testing Standards" on the page that follows. Check to be sure that they are recognized for UL 1703 and/or UL 61730 to confirm that they are accredited to list PV modules.

Solar pool heating collectors have a number of unique characteristics that are better described on a dedicated certificate. Usually solar pool heaters make use of unglazed, polymeric collectors. Unlike glazed collectors (those with transparent covers over the solar absorbers), unglazed collectors are much more sensitive to wind and longwave (infrared) radiation. And pool applications differ seasonally with different combinations of average solar irradiance, ambient air temperature and wind speeds throughout the year. To help users better understand how the performance of the collector measured in laboratory testing, SRCC has developed a specialized OG-100 certificate for these collectors. For more information on the certificate and its features, click here.

When a manufacturer gets a product tested by a testing laboratory, it’s a one-time activity.  The test lab will test samples of the product and check that they conform to the requirements of a standard or other specification. When it is completed, the manufacturer receives a test report that indicates whether the product complied with the requirements - at the time the testing was done.

Having a product evaluated by a Certification Body (CB) may use information from a test lab, but goes much further. It involves evaluation of both the product itself AND the production (manufacturing) process to the requirements of a Certification Scheme. Certification Schemes are based on regional, national or international standards together with any other criteria deemed necessary by the scheme owner. Many times, the CB will utilize results of third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory as part of the product evaluation.

For example, SRCC manages a Certification Scheme for solar water thermal collectors used in North America.  It is based in part on the ANSI standard ICC 901/SRCC 100, which is required by building codes.  Collectors must be tested by an approved ISO 17025 accredited lab as specified in the ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard.  SRCC uses the test report as part of its evaluation of the product.  Under the OG-100 certification scheme, SRCC also determines performance ratings of the collectors.  If the the product evaluation is completed successfully, the ongoing factory evaluation includes an audit of the quality management system (QMS).  This ensures that the products that are manufactured and sold can be produced to the same, consistent quality level and performance as the tested product, time after time. The QMS is re-evaluated annually by SRCC to ensure continued compliance with the requirements of the OG-100 certification scheme.

Successful applicants for certification are usually granted a Certificate of Conformity and the right to use of a Certification Mark to apply to the product. The Certification Mark allows manufacturers to demonstrate that their product continues to meet the quality and safety standards required by the scheme.

The differences are summarized below.

Test Laboratory

• Tests product only
• Tests for conformity with any requirements, which could be the manufacturer’s own specification, product standard or other
• Issues a test report
• One-off process, no follow-up.
• Any subsequent changes to the product are not covered
• Accreditation to ISO 17025 for Testing Laboratories

Certification Body

• Evaluates both the product and production process
• Tests for compliance with the requirements outlined in a Certification Scheme which is based on national, regional or international standards, together with any other requirements deemed necessary by the Scheme Owner
• If successful, issues a Certificate of Conformity and grants permission to use a Certification Mark
• Ongoing process to demonstrate continued conformity with the scheme’s requirements
• Accreditation to ISO 17065 for Certification Bodies

Click here to contact us, or visit our online portal to submit a request for a quote.

SRCC's OG certification programs assess compliance with one of the ICC/SRCC ANSI standards. They include:

• OG-100 for solar thermal collectors (ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard)
• OG-300 for solar water heating systems (ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard)
• OG-500 for thermal energy storage devices(ICC 903/SRCC 500 standard)

Additionally, each certification includes appropriate standardized SRCC performance ratings. Generally, each certification applies to one product or system.

Listings involve are an assessment of a product or system’s compliance with the relevant requirements of other documents, like codes or standards produced by other organizations. A single listing may include several codes and standards, and may also cover many products from the manufacturer. They do not include additional information like ratings, just a simple pass/fail determination. An example is listings of solar pool heaters to the ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 standard.

Click on any of the links above to get more information on any of these programs.

Yes, there is an annual fee required in order to renew certifications in each OG program and for listings. If changes are made to the certified product, they may also result in Editorial or Technical Modification fees (depending on the nature of the change).

Inspections of production quality systems are generally required every two years, with self-assessments on intervening years. Fees for inspections are are based on the location of facility and type of inspection. Contact us for more information on the fees for your facility.

Products with active ICC-SRCC certifications and listings must be marked with the appropriate marks and the information required for each. Each certification and listing document specifies the information that must be provided on marking and/or labeling in the "Identification Section". Click here for more information on ICC-SRCC marking requirements.

Only active certifications and listings are authorized to display ICC-SRCC marks. If certifications or listings are cancelled or withdrawn, authorization to use the marks is revoked.

ENERGY STAR certification marking requirements are managed by the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR program. Click here to view the ENERGY STAR Brand Guidelines.

OG-100 certification for solar thermal collectors is not mandated at the national level, but it is required by incentive programs, building codes and other regulations in dozens of states. Therefore, in order to install or qualify for vital solar thermal incentives, an OG-100 certification is required in most locations in the U.S.

So, OG-100 certification is not required to import products into the U.S. But it may be required in most locations to install the solar collector.

OG-100 certification covers solar thermal collectors, and requires compliance with the ICC 901/SRCC 100 Solar Thermal Collector Standard. OG-100 certification requires testing in an accredited testing laboratory to assess the safety, durability and thermal performance of each collector.

OG-300 certification addresses solar thermal systems (complete solar water heaters) and requires compliance with the ICC 900/SRCC 300 Solar Thermal System Standard. OG-300 certified systems almost always include at least one OG-100 certified solar collector. The system is modeled using information on each component, including the collectors, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, controllers, piping and valves. SRCC staff also evaluates the components, system design, and manuals to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the standard. In most cases, testing of the entire system is not required by the ICC 900/SRCC 300 Standard. However, testing of individual components may be necessary to provide the information needed for the computer model of the system.

OG-300 certification addresses the entire solar water heating system, whereas OG-100 certification only covers one component – the solar thermal collector. OG-100 does provide collector rating information, which allows specific collectors to be compared. However, OG-100 does not provide all of the information needed to describe the performance of the system. OG-100 does not address the other system components that can have a very significant impact on performance, like tanks, pumps, heat exchangers and controls. For example, a collector with a high OG-100 rating paired with a low-quality or poorly matched controller could achieve a low OG-300 rating. OG-100 alone is simply not an adequate predictor of complete system performance.

INCENTIVE PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE. Certification to OG-100 is required by many programs throughout the U.S. that provide incentives like rebates and tax credits. See the DSIRE Website for the latest information on incentive programs in specific locations around the U.S.

CODE COMPLIANCE. Most model building codes in the U.S. require solar thermal collectors to comply with ICC 901/SRCC 100 (the standard that provides the technical basis of the OG-100 program). Therefore, by certifying your system to OG-100, you are demonstrating compliance with SRCC Standard 100 and meeting one of the key requirements of these codes. Note: Many North American codes have other requirements above and beyond OG-100 compliance. OG- 100 only provides assessment to the ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard. For evaluation to all of the requirements in various codes and standards see the SRCC Listing Program.

SAFETY AND DURABILITY. OG-100 certification addresses more than just ratings. During the course of certification, SRCC’s engineers evaluate the design and construction of the collector to be sure that they comply with the minimum requirements set in the ICC 901/SRCC 100 Standard. This provides users with assurance that the collector meets the standard’s comprehensive requirements for safety, durability and minimum performance.

WEB-BASED CERTIFICATES. All collectors certified under the OG-100 program are provided with an OG-100 certificate and are listed on the SRCC directory. The certificates provide consistent tables featuring rated performance under standardized climate conditions and applications. Detailed performance data is also provided to allow system designers to model the collectors as part of a system. Code officials and incentive programs recognize SRCC’s website as the authoritative source of up-to-date information on OG-100 certified collectors. They use the certificates to verify certification, and to confirm that systems are installed in compliance with the certification. This can result in faster, smoother code inspections.

Yes. With the release of the 2020 version of the ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard, OG-300 certification is now available for solar water heating systems that do not use a backup (auxiliary) water heater. Note that local codes in North America may limit or prohibit the installation of solar-only systems. However, the use of such systems is fairly common in the Caribbean region (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and in Mexico.

Note that ENERGY STAR certification is NOT currently available for residential solar water heating systems without a backup heating source of some kind.

When manufacturers apply for a new ICC-SRCC certification, they provide basic information needed to get the process started. But once we get underway, we will need more detailed information about your product to confirm that it complies with standards and to generate performance ratings (if applicable). The information needed varies depending on the certification being sought and the characteristics of the product. Click here for a list of the information needed for each program.

No. ENERGY STAR certification under the Residential Water Heater Program is only available for complete solar water heating systems. The entire system must be certified under the OG-300 program to qualify for ENERGY STAR. And since OG-300 systems must make use of a solar thermal collector certified as a component to OG-100, all ENERGY STAR certified water heaters do include OG-100 certified collectors. But ENERGY STAR certification is not available for the collector alone.

No. The ENERGY STAR Residential Water Heater Certification is only available for water heaters that use at least some amount of fuel - electricity, gas, oil or propane. Therefore, solar-only water heating systems are not eligible for ENERGY STAR Certification from ICC-SRCC.

But - solar-only systems are eligible for OG-300 certification.

There are several factors that could cause the solar fraction for the Very Small Usage Pattern to be lower than the Low Usage Pattern.

1. The DOE Hot Water Usage Patterns withdraw different amounts of water at different times of the day.  The timing and amount of each hot water draw relative to the amount and timing of the solar energy being collected impacts the total annual solar fraction.
2. The relative impact of system inefficiencies is different for the different DOE Water Usage Patterns.  The ICC-SRCC performance models also account for the standby losses (energy lost as the hot water stored in the tank cools) and parasitic losses (energy used to run components like pumps).  For the 10 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses and the hot water draw is comparable to the standby losses for a basic electric resistance tank.  But for the 84 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses are 13% of the hot water draw.
3. The impact of enclosed volume in piping between the collector and hot water system varies with draw size. For all OG-300 ratings, the piping between the collector and hot water system is assumed to be 25 feet each way.  For ½” copper piping, that results in 0.33 gallons enclosed in the piping.  For ¾” copper piping that number grows to 0.67 gallons.  For the DOE Very Small Usage Draw Pattern (shown below), the individual draws are very small, leading to relatively small amounts of hot water from some passive rooftop-mounted systems reaching the backup water heater for a given draw.  For example, if a 0.5 gallon draw is started, and ¾” pipe extends from the rooftop system to the backup water heater, none of the water heated by solar reaches the backup heater before the draw ends.  Therefore none of the water heated by solar enters the hot water system.  Instead, it sits in the piping and cools significantly before the next hot water draw.  Even for larger draws, relatively little water heated by solar enters the backup water heater.  Using the same example, a 2.0 gallon draw with 3/4” piping results in only 1.3 gallons of water heated by solar reaching the backup water heater during the draw.  In this situation, the backup water heater must supply a larger percentage of the hot water called for in the hot water draw.  Plus, after a draw, colder water is introduced from the water supply that must then be heated to meet the needs of the next hot water draw. For active systems that use a pump to circulate the hot water between the collector and a separate tank, this effect is far less pronounced.  These pumps usually activate when the water in the collector reaches a pre-set temperature range and deliver it to the tank regardless of whether a draw is occurring.

Performance in real-world conditions will vary based on differing tubing lengths and sizes, controls, system designs and actual hot water draws.  But for OG-300 ratings, variables like the piping length is held constant to allow for comparison between the performance of different systems using the same hot water draws.

ICC-SRCC calculates all performance ratings for solar water heaters in the OG-300 certification program using performance data for each component, modeled using proprietary software in the TRNSYS platform.  The programs use weather data files for that best represent median weather conditions during one year in a specific geographic location.  This is combined with local water supply temperatures, standardized system characteristics, and a hot water draw pattern to obtain performance results that permit relative comparison between systems on a consistent basis.  The models are run over one full year using time steps of five minutes or less and averaged to provide annual average ratings.  Performance is reported using the solar fraction metric.  This is the ratio of the added energy in the hot water delivered to the plumbing system that came from solar energy, averaged over one year for that location.

The OG-300 ratings cannot specify exactly how much energy will be collected for a given project in each location due to installation, hot water use, actual weather and other variations.  But they can provide a useful relative comparison between different geographic locations and between different types of systems.

For the Puerto Rico Supplement, this modeling is done five times for each location – once using SRCC’s standard 64.3 gallon per day hot water draw pattern and the other four using hot water draw patterns set by the DOE. 

Any current OG-300 certification holder may apply for a Puerto Rico Supplement to be added to their existing OG-300 certificate.  Therefore only the holder of the OG-300 certificate (manufacturer, designer, etc) can apply for the supplement.  Once completed, PR Supplements are added to the OG-300 certificate and are publicly available on the SRCC OG-300 Directory on the SRCC website (www.solar-rating.org).

ICC-SRCC offers a modeling service to OG-300 certification holders to preview the ratings that would appear on a Puerto Rico Supplement.  If the manufacturer then chooses to apply for the supplement after modeling, the modeling charge is credited to the application fee for the supplement.  Contact ICC-SRCC for more information on modeling services.

No.  Solar water heating systems must first have an active OG-300 certification before they are eligible for a Puerto Rico Supplement.

Supplements to the OG-300 program are tied to the associated OG-300 certification.  They are valid until the individual certification expired or until the manufacturer requests their withdrawal.  When the OG-300 certification for the system is subject to renewal, the manufacturer can determine whether to also renew the supplement.

ICC-SRCC posts all valid certifications and supplements on its web directory at www.solar-rating.org.  You can also go directly to the OG-300 directory. Once there, look up the OG-300 certification number from the supplement.  Once you find the certificate, click on the link to view the document.  If the Puerto Rico Supplement is valid for that system, the supplement will appear at the end of the document.  If the OG-300 certification number does not appear in the directory or the supplement does not appear on the certificate, the hardcopy certificate is not valid.  Contact ICC-SRCC for more information at srcc@solar-rating.org or on the Contact Us page on our website.

Not necessarily.  ENERGY STAR certification is not required to obtain the OG-300 Puerto Rico Supplement.  But if a manufacturer has ENERGY STAR certification for the system through ICC-SRCC, it will be noted on the supplement.

Hot water load patterns are used to indicate the size, timing and flowrate of hot water draws from the solar water heating system during a 24-hour time period.  Different building types, occupancies, local practices and the time of year all impact the amount of hot water drawn from a domestic water heater.  SRCC’s OG-300 program, which started in the US, utilizes a 64.3 gallon per day hot water draw pattern with two peaks, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The 64.3 gallon per day value was established by the U.S. Department of Energy for water heater testing prior to 2015. 

Recognizing that there are significant differences in the hot water drawn in various cases, the DOE created four different hot water draw patterns that were implemented in 2015.  These are labeled “Very Small Usage”, “Low Usage”, “Medium Usage”, and “High Usage” and represent different types of domestic hot water use.  The hot water draw patterns differ in both the total volume, and in the timing, flow rate and number of hot water draws, as summarized below.

Puerto Rico and other islands in the vicinity, like the US Virgin Islands, has unique conditions that differ from those in the continental US and Canada.  They include:

• High solar radiation, relatively stable water mains temperature, and no freezing conditions.
• Significantly lower domestic water consumption per capita than the continental US, on average.
• High incidence of hurricanes leading to grid reliability challenges.
• Common use of solar water heaters without gas or electric backup water heater.

As a result, solar water heating is very cost-effective and widely used in the region.  But the lower daily per capita water usage makes the standard 64.3 gallon per day hot water load pattern used by OG-300 less applicable.  Therefore, SRCC makes available performance ratings using a number of hot water loads to allow the most applicable to be selected.

The widespread use of solar water heaters as the sole source of domestic hot water (no gas or electric backup) means that added information is needed. Where the manufacturer offers a solar-only system configuration, the supplement includes the revised schematic and information on the percentage of hot water loads it can meet in the area.

There are several ways to find ENERGY STAR certified solar water heaters:

• EPA ENERGY STAR Certified Product List. This list is maintained by the U.S. EPA and contains information on ALL ENERGY STAR certified water heaters (gas, electric and solar).
• ICC-SRCC Listing Directory. Each manufacturer with solar water heaters certified to ENERGY STAR by ICC-SRCC is listed here. Look for the blue ESTAR mark and click on the listing to view a list of all certified models from that manufacturer.
• ICC-SRCC OG-300 Directory. Each OG-300 system that also holds ENERGY STAR certification is identified with a yellow star.

Feel free to send your questions in an e-mail message to srcc@solar-rating.org

Click here for a summary of the SRCC application process.

Certified solar water heating products undergo a thorough evaluation by SRCC's engineers to be sure that they comply with the minimum requirements set in the ICC/SRCC Standards. Compliance with these standards is required by most building and plumbing codes. Certification provides incentive bodies with the peace of mind that the products meet comprehensive requirements for safety, durability and minimum performance. This protects your customers and your reputation.

Plus, standardized ratings published by SRCC allow you to set minimum performance requirements for your locations. This gives you the best return on your incentive dollars to deliver real-world energy and carbon savings.

Need help crafting an incentive program using SRCC ratings? Contact us - we can help!

SRCC's OG certification programs assess compliance with one of the ICC/SRCC ANSI standards. They include:

• OG-100 for solar thermal collectors (ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard)
• OG-300 for solar water heating systems (ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard)
• OG-500 for thermal energy storage devices(ICC 903/SRCC 500 standard)

Additionally, each certification includes appropriate standardized SRCC performance ratings. Generally, each certification applies to one product or system.

Listings involve are an assessment of a product or system’s compliance with the relevant requirements of other documents, like codes or standards produced by other organizations. A single listing may include several codes and standards, and may also cover many products from the manufacturer. They do not include additional information like ratings, just a simple pass/fail determination. An example is listings of solar pool heaters to the ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 standard.

Click on any of the links above to get more information on any of these programs.

Yes, there is an annual fee required in order to renew certifications in each OG program and for listings. If changes are made to the certified product, they may also result in Editorial or Technical Modification fees (depending on the nature of the change).

Inspections of production quality systems are generally required every two years, with self-assessments on intervening years. Fees for inspections are are based on the location of facility and type of inspection. Contact us for more information on the fees for your facility.

Products with active ICC-SRCC certifications and listings must be marked with the appropriate marks and the information required for each. Each certification and listing document specifies the information that must be provided on marking and/or labeling in the "Identification Section". Click here for more information on ICC-SRCC marking requirements.

Only active certifications and listings are authorized to display ICC-SRCC marks. If certifications or listings are cancelled or withdrawn, authorization to use the marks is revoked.

ENERGY STAR certification marking requirements are managed by the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR program. Click here to view the ENERGY STAR Brand Guidelines.

OG-100 certification covers solar thermal collectors, and requires compliance with the ICC 901/SRCC 100 Solar Thermal Collector Standard. OG-100 certification requires testing in an accredited testing laboratory to assess the safety, durability and thermal performance of each collector.

OG-300 certification addresses solar thermal systems (complete solar water heaters) and requires compliance with the ICC 900/SRCC 300 Solar Thermal System Standard. OG-300 certified systems almost always include at least one OG-100 certified solar collector. The system is modeled using information on each component, including the collectors, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, controllers, piping and valves. SRCC staff also evaluates the components, system design, and manuals to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the standard. In most cases, testing of the entire system is not required by the ICC 900/SRCC 300 Standard. However, testing of individual components may be necessary to provide the information needed for the computer model of the system.

OG-300 certification addresses the entire solar water heating system, whereas OG-100 certification only covers one component – the solar thermal collector. OG-100 does provide collector rating information, which allows specific collectors to be compared. However, OG-100 does not provide all of the information needed to describe the performance of the system. OG-100 does not address the other system components that can have a very significant impact on performance, like tanks, pumps, heat exchangers and controls. For example, a collector with a high OG-100 rating paired with a low-quality or poorly matched controller could achieve a low OG-300 rating. OG-100 alone is simply not an adequate predictor of complete system performance.

When manufacturers apply for a new ICC-SRCC certification, they provide basic information needed to get the process started. But once we get underway, we will need more detailed information about your product to confirm that it complies with standards and to generate performance ratings (if applicable). The information needed varies depending on the certification being sought and the characteristics of the product. Click here for a list of the information needed for each program.

No. ENERGY STAR certification under the Residential Water Heater Program is only available for complete solar water heating systems. The entire system must be certified under the OG-300 program to qualify for ENERGY STAR. And since OG-300 systems must make use of a solar thermal collector certified as a component to OG-100, all ENERGY STAR certified water heaters do include OG-100 certified collectors. But ENERGY STAR certification is not available for the collector alone.

No. The ENERGY STAR Residential Water Heater Certification is only available for water heaters that use at least some amount of fuel - electricity, gas, oil or propane. Therefore, solar-only water heating systems are not eligible for ENERGY STAR Certification from ICC-SRCC.

But - solar-only systems are eligible for OG-300 certification.

Not necessarily.  ENERGY STAR certification is not required to obtain the OG-300 Puerto Rico Supplement.  But if a manufacturer has ENERGY STAR certification for the system through ICC-SRCC, it will be noted on the supplement.

There are several ways to find ENERGY STAR certified solar water heaters:

• EPA ENERGY STAR Certified Product List. This list is maintained by the U.S. EPA and contains information on ALL ENERGY STAR certified water heaters (gas, electric and solar).
• ICC-SRCC Listing Directory. Each manufacturer with solar water heaters certified to ENERGY STAR by ICC-SRCC is listed here. Look for the blue ESTAR mark and click on the listing to view a list of all certified models from that manufacturer.
• ICC-SRCC OG-300 Directory. Each OG-300 system that also holds ENERGY STAR certification is identified with a yellow star.

ENERGY STAR certification demonstrates to potential customers that the product not only passes the minimum standards in OG-300, but it also meets performance criteria. The warranty requirements demonstrate that the product is well-supported by the manufacturer. Certification holders have the right to display the well-recognized ENERGY STAR label (in accordance with program brand requirements).

The ENERGY STAR program is specified and recognized throughout North America. Several incentive programs require ENERGY STAR certification to qualify for rebates, and the use of ENERGY STAR certified products is required in some federal contracts. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency^® (DSIRE) for the latest information on incentives, rebates and tax credits.

The U.S. EPA sets the requirements for solar water heaters seeking certification under their Residential Water Heater Program as follows in v.4 of the Residential Water Heater Specification:

• System must be OG-300 certified
• System must include a backup water heating source using electricity or gas
• Solar Uniform Energy Factor (SUEF) > 1.8 for electric and > 1.2 for gas backup
• Warranty provided must be: > 10 years for collector, > 6 years on sealed system, > 2 years on controls and > 1 year for piping and parts
• Manufacturer must be an ENERGY STAR partner.

Once awarded, manufacturers with ENERGY STAR certified products have the right to display the ENERGY STAR mark in strict conformance with
the current ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines. ENERGY STAR certifications must be renewed annually with SRCC. The EPA also requires that manufacturers report unit shipment data annually to assist with creation of ENERGY STAR market penetration estimates to maintain their certifications.

Products with active ICC-SRCC certifications and listings must be marked with the appropriate marks and the information required for each. Each certification and listing document specifies the information that must be provided on marking and/or labeling in the "Identification Section". Click here for more information on ICC-SRCC marking requirements.

Only active certifications and listings are authorized to display ICC-SRCC marks. If certifications or listings are cancelled or withdrawn, authorization to use the marks is revoked.

ENERGY STAR certification marking requirements are managed by the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR program. Click here to view the ENERGY STAR Brand Guidelines.

No. OG-100 certification is required for the SOLERGY label in North America since the performance data from that program is used to determine the ratings on the label. The same is true for the SOLERGY label in the EU, where Solar Keymark certification is required. Technical performance ratings and certification are central to the SOLERGY label program.

No. Membership in the Global Solar Certification Network (GSCN) is not required to qualify for the SOLERGY label. The GSCN does promote the use of the SOLERGY label worldwide as a means of describing the benefits of solar thermal technologies and of product certification.

The is a yearly fee for the label, and the cost depends on the type of collectors. Please contact SRCC for a quote for your specific collectors.

DIN CERTCO, SHI and ICC-SRCC are studying the expansion of the SOLERGY label to other regions and collector types (like unglazed collectors for pool heating). Stay tuned for future announcements!

Liquid heating solar thermal collectors with active OG-100 certifications of the following types may apply for the SOLERGY label:

• Flat plate glazed collectors
• Tubular glazed collectors
• PV-Thermal hybrid collectors (PVTs)

Yes! Qualifying solar thermal collectors may have both labels.

For North American SOLERGY labels (U.S., Canada & Mexico) manufacturers should apply directly to ICC-SRCC through the customer portal. For the EU version of the SOLERGY label, manufacturers should continue to apply to DIN CERTCO.

No. The SOLERGY label is available for use in addition to OG-100 certification. OG-100 certified solar thermal collectors must still meet the labeling requirements established by the ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard and the OG-100 program.

No. The SOLERGY label is not currently mandated in the U.S., Canada or any other location. It is a voluntary eco-label available to manufacturers looking for ways to communicate the performance of their products.

SOLERGY is an eco-label for solar thermal collectors developed originally by DIN CERTCO and the Solar Heat Initiative (SHI) in 2016. The design originated with the European Energy Label (ErP), which provides easy-to-read information the energy consumption of many devices in the EU.  DIN CERTCO and the Solar Heat Initiative (SHI) recognized the need for such a label for solar thermal collectors producing energy onsite.  The new label added A- to AAA performance ratings showing the energy production capacity for different regions in the EU and different applications.

In 2023, DIN CERTCO and SHI released a revision to the label designed for use in North America.  And they partnered with SRCC to offer it for qualifying OG-100 certification holders.  The label provides the same easy-to-read design, with ratings customized for North American climate regions. 

No. In the U.S., photovoltaic (PV) modules are must be listed to UL 1703 or UL 61730 to satisfy the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and the International Building Code (IBC). SRCC does not currently list PV modules to these standards. Instead, SRCC provides certifications and listings for solar thermal collectors and related products. Solar thermal collectors harvest solar radiation, converting it to thermal energy (heat) in a fluid. Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

SRCC does certify solar heating and cooling products that make use of listed PV modules in items like PV Water Heaters, Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Collectors (PVTs) and solar water heaters using PV-powered pumps. But in each case, the PV module component used must be listed for electrical safety by an approved listing agency before it can be used in a product or system certified by SRCC.

Listing of electrical products must be provided a listing agency designated by OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. Click here for a list of current NRTLs. Note that while all listing agencies on the list are NRTLs, not all list PV modules. To find those that are approved specifically for PV module listing, click on the MORE button for any organization, and then the link entitled "Recognized Testing Standards" on the page that follows. Check to be sure that they are recognized for UL 1703 and/or UL 61730 to confirm that they are accredited to list PV modules.

SRCC's OG certification programs assess compliance with one of the ICC/SRCC ANSI standards. They include:

• OG-100 for solar thermal collectors (ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard)
• OG-300 for solar water heating systems (ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard)
• OG-500 for thermal energy storage devices(ICC 903/SRCC 500 standard)

Additionally, each certification includes appropriate standardized SRCC performance ratings. Generally, each certification applies to one product or system.

Listings involve are an assessment of a product or system’s compliance with the relevant requirements of other documents, like codes or standards produced by other organizations. A single listing may include several codes and standards, and may also cover many products from the manufacturer. They do not include additional information like ratings, just a simple pass/fail determination. An example is listings of solar pool heaters to the ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 standard.

Click on any of the links above to get more information on any of these programs.

Yes, there is an annual fee required in order to renew certifications in each OG program and for listings. If changes are made to the certified product, they may also result in Editorial or Technical Modification fees (depending on the nature of the change).

Inspections of production quality systems are generally required every two years, with self-assessments on intervening years. Fees for inspections are are based on the location of facility and type of inspection. Contact us for more information on the fees for your facility.

Products with active ICC-SRCC certifications and listings must be marked with the appropriate marks and the information required for each. Each certification and listing document specifies the information that must be provided on marking and/or labeling in the "Identification Section". Click here for more information on ICC-SRCC marking requirements.

Only active certifications and listings are authorized to display ICC-SRCC marks. If certifications or listings are cancelled or withdrawn, authorization to use the marks is revoked.

ENERGY STAR certification marking requirements are managed by the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR program. Click here to view the ENERGY STAR Brand Guidelines.

Click here for information on the application process.

New versions of model codes are released generally released every 3-5 years in North America. New versions of standards are released periodically, but not always on a predictable schedule. When any of the codes or standards to which ICC-SRCC lists solar heating and cooling products are updated, ICC-SRCC staff will review the new documents for changes impacting listings. Staff will then communicate a schedule to implement the new version of the code or standard in the ICC-SRCC Listing Program. After the effective date, all new listings and renewals will be conducted to the new code or standard version.

ICC-SRCC staff reviews certifications and listings at the time of renewal and will determine whether they require updates. If manual changes or testing are required to update a certification or listing, listees will be provided with a reasonable period of time submit the updated materials.

Listings can significantly ease the process of approval and acceptance by code officials in the field. This is especially true for unique and novel systems or where components and parts are not readily visible in an assembly. It is also true for locations that have unique codes or requirements, such as the City of Los Angeles, CA.

No, obtaining a listing from ICC-SRCC or any other listing agency is generally voluntary (unless specifically required by a jurisdiction). However, a listing provides a manufacturer a proven way of demonstrating compliance with key codes and standards and can facilitate acceptance and approval in the field. It also provides a way of setting yourself apart from your competition.

Model plumbing codes do require third-party certification to the standards referenced by a code, but not to a code itself. For example, the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) reads:

303.4 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 certification agency as complying with the referenced standards. Products and materials shall be identified in accordance with Section 303.1.

A file is a single listing containing one or more models of collectors, systems or other solar thermal components, all evaluated to the same codes and/or standards. If you want to get some models listed to certain codes and standards and other products listed to different codes and standards, you will need to submit a separate application to get a file for each set.

As many as you want. There is no limit to the number of models included in a single listing, and each file may contain both systems and components. The only limitation is that all models in a given listing must be assessed to the same selection of codes and/or standards. If you want to have some models listed to certain codes and standards and other models listed to different codes and standards, you will need to submit a separate application to get a file for each set. Contact us for more details.

ICC-SRCC is accredited to provide certifications and listings for Solar Heating and Cooling products. These include a wide range of solar water and air heating products and systems. These include:

• Single and multi-family domestic solar water heaters. Examples include solar thermal water heaters, thermosiphons, PV water heaters, solar-assisted heat pumps, and more).
• Solar pool heating systems
• Open (transpired) and closed-loop solar air heating systems
• Commercial and industrial water and other fluid heating systems

Solar thermal collector listings are available for many different types including:

• Glazed and unglazed flat plate collectors
• Vacuum tube collectors, including heat pipes
• Integrated collector storage (ICS)
• PV-Thermal hybrids (PVTs)
• Concentrating, including parabolic trough and fresnel lens collectors
• PV-Water heating collectors
• Building-integrated collectors

NOTE - ICC-SRCC does NOT certify or list photovoltaic (PV) modules that produce electricity.

ICC-SRCC's listing program can also provide listings for a wide range of components used in solar thermal systems, including:

• Solar tanks (pressurized and unpressurized)
• Heat exchangers
• Solar pump stations
• Solar differential controllers
• PV-powered circulation pumps
• Racking and mounting systems
• Specialized valves, expansion tanks, and other custom components

For components that can be used in solar heating & cooling systems or other plumbing and mechanical applications, ICC-SRCC can work with our sister company ICC-ES PMG to create a listing for all applications.

ICC-SRCC's goal is to provide a true one-stop-shop for the solar heating & cooling industry, to address all regulatory compliance needs in North America. Therefore we work to offer services addressing all applicable codes and standards for the region.

There is no single plumbing or mechanical code in use in the U.S. and as a result, local requirements vary. If you are not sure which to select, contact us, ICC-SRCC staff will be happy to assist.

ICC-SRCC offers listings to all major model codes and standards that address solar heating and cooling systems. These include:

• International Plumbing Code® (IPC)¹
• International Mechanical Code® (IMC)¹
• International Building Code® (IBC)¹
• International Residential Code® (IRC)¹
• International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC)¹
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC)¹
• International Green Construction Code® (IgCC)¹
• CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code® (CREEBC)²
• California Plumbing Code (CPC)
• City of Los Angeles Plumbing Code (LAPC)
• Uniform Solar Energy Code® (USEC)/ Uniform Solar Hydronics & Geothermal Code® (USHGC)³
• Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC)³
• Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC)³
• Uniform Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Code® (USPHTC)³
• Low-Lead Content Listing for SHC Products and Systems to State and Federal Laws
• NSF 50, Equipment for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and other Recreational Water Facilities⁴

Additionally, ICC-SRCC offers certification to a wide range of standards to help to demonstrate compliance with the codes that reference them throughout North America.

• ICC 901/SRCC 100, Solar Thermal Collectors
• ICC 900/SRCC 300, Solar Thermal Systems
• ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400, Solar Pool and Spa Water Heating Systems
• CSA F378.1, Solar collectors-Glazed and unglazed liquid heating solar collectors - Test Methods⁵
• CSA F378.2, Solar collectors-Air heating solar collectors - Test Methods⁵
• CSA F379.1, Packaged solar domestic hot water systems (liquid-to-liquid heat transfer) for all-season use⁵
• UL 1279, Outline of Investigation for Solar Collectors⁶

Interested in listing to a code or standard not included here? Contact us - we may be able to help.

1: Copyrighted publication of the International Code Council

2: Copyrighted publication of CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)

3: Copyrighted publication of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

4:Copyrighted publication of NSF International

5:Copyrighted publication of CSA Group

6: Copyrighted publication of Underwriters Laboratories

Yes. ICC-SRCC has been approved by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety’s Mechanical Testing Laboratory as a Recognized Listing agency for plumbing products certified to the ICC-SRCC 100 and ICC-SRCC 300 standards, which are referenced in the City of Los Angeles Plumbing Code. Click here to view the List of Approved Listing and Testing Agencies.

Click here for more information on ICC-SRCC's accreditations and approvals.

ICC-SRCC is recognized by code officials throughout North America. As a part of ICC-ES, we are backed by the largest association of building officials in the country. Code officials know and trust the ICC-ES name.

ICC-SRCC’s solar thermal certification programs hold numerous accreditations and approvals. For the U.S., we are accredited by the A2LA (Certificate #3299.03) to ISO/IEC Standard 17065 (2012), Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services to certify solar heating & cooling products. Click here for a complete list of our accreditations and approvals.

If you ever have an issue with the acceptance of the ICC-SRCC certifications or marks in the field, contact us. ICC-SRCC staff will work with you and the code official to answer any questions and confirm the status of certifications.

AFFORDABILITY. ICC-SRCC charges a low flat fee for listings. We even allow you to place collectors and systems in one file. And there is no fee for additional codes and standards.

EFFICIENCY. ICC-SRCC uses the information you’ve already provided for your OG-100 or OG-300 certification to conduct your listing. So there’s no need to resubmit the same information to another company. If we need additional information to process your listing, we’ll let you know.

FACTORY INSPECTIONS. Factory inspections are only required every two years. Plus, the inspections satisfy surveillance requirements for the OG-100 and 300 certification programs. You save money and avoid redundant inspections.

LISTINGS BY THE EXPERTS. Listings are done by ICC-SRCC staff who are solar thermal experts, not by generalists who don’t know the intricacies of your products like we do.

SPEED. If you apply for listings when you apply for certification, we will get started on both right away. And since the code listings are coordinated with our certification programs, we can avoid redundancies and complete our reviews quickly.

VISIBILITY. Listings are linked to the ICC’s publicACCESS and premiumACCESS code portals, making it easy for users to find the SRCC Listings that apply to various sections of the I-Codes. That places your listings in front of millions of users of these online code portals. It’s a service that only ICC-SRCC and ICC-ES can offer.

TRUSTED. Listings are done by ICC-SRCC staffers who are solar thermal experts. We know your products and we know codes and standards. Code officials throughout North America trust and recognize our lists to provide them with the information they need to approve solar thermal products and systems. We’re even approved as a listing agency by the City of Los Angeles.

There are several factors that could cause the solar fraction for the Very Small Usage Pattern to be lower than the Low Usage Pattern.

1. The DOE Hot Water Usage Patterns withdraw different amounts of water at different times of the day.  The timing and amount of each hot water draw relative to the amount and timing of the solar energy being collected impacts the total annual solar fraction.
2. The relative impact of system inefficiencies is different for the different DOE Water Usage Patterns.  The ICC-SRCC performance models also account for the standby losses (energy lost as the hot water stored in the tank cools) and parasitic losses (energy used to run components like pumps).  For the 10 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses and the hot water draw is comparable to the standby losses for a basic electric resistance tank.  But for the 84 gpd draw, the energy in the standby losses are 13% of the hot water draw.
3. The impact of enclosed volume in piping between the collector and hot water system varies with draw size. For all OG-300 ratings, the piping between the collector and hot water system is assumed to be 25 feet each way.  For ½” copper piping, that results in 0.33 gallons enclosed in the piping.  For ¾” copper piping that number grows to 0.67 gallons.  For the DOE Very Small Usage Draw Pattern (shown below), the individual draws are very small, leading to relatively small amounts of hot water from some passive rooftop-mounted systems reaching the backup water heater for a given draw.  For example, if a 0.5 gallon draw is started, and ¾” pipe extends from the rooftop system to the backup water heater, none of the water heated by solar reaches the backup heater before the draw ends.  Therefore none of the water heated by solar enters the hot water system.  Instead, it sits in the piping and cools significantly before the next hot water draw.  Even for larger draws, relatively little water heated by solar enters the backup water heater.  Using the same example, a 2.0 gallon draw with 3/4” piping results in only 1.3 gallons of water heated by solar reaching the backup water heater during the draw.  In this situation, the backup water heater must supply a larger percentage of the hot water called for in the hot water draw.  Plus, after a draw, colder water is introduced from the water supply that must then be heated to meet the needs of the next hot water draw. For active systems that use a pump to circulate the hot water between the collector and a separate tank, this effect is far less pronounced.  These pumps usually activate when the water in the collector reaches a pre-set temperature range and deliver it to the tank regardless of whether a draw is occurring.

Performance in real-world conditions will vary based on differing tubing lengths and sizes, controls, system designs and actual hot water draws.  But for OG-300 ratings, variables like the piping length is held constant to allow for comparison between the performance of different systems using the same hot water draws.

Any current OG-300 certification holder may apply for a Puerto Rico Supplement to be added to their existing OG-300 certificate.  Therefore only the holder of the OG-300 certificate (manufacturer, designer, etc) can apply for the supplement.  Once completed, PR Supplements are added to the OG-300 certificate and are publicly available on the SRCC OG-300 Directory on the SRCC website (www.solar-rating.org).

ICC-SRCC offers a modeling service to OG-300 certification holders to preview the ratings that would appear on a Puerto Rico Supplement.  If the manufacturer then chooses to apply for the supplement after modeling, the modeling charge is credited to the application fee for the supplement.  Contact ICC-SRCC for more information on modeling services.

No.  Solar water heating systems must first have an active OG-300 certification before they are eligible for a Puerto Rico Supplement.

Supplements to the OG-300 program are tied to the associated OG-300 certification.  They are valid until the individual certification expired or until the manufacturer requests their withdrawal.  When the OG-300 certification for the system is subject to renewal, the manufacturer can determine whether to also renew the supplement.

ICC-SRCC posts all valid certifications and supplements on its web directory at www.solar-rating.org.  You can also go directly to the OG-300 directory. Once there, look up the OG-300 certification number from the supplement.  Once you find the certificate, click on the link to view the document.  If the Puerto Rico Supplement is valid for that system, the supplement will appear at the end of the document.  If the OG-300 certification number does not appear in the directory or the supplement does not appear on the certificate, the hardcopy certificate is not valid.  Contact ICC-SRCC for more information at srcc@solar-rating.org or on the Contact Us page on our website.

Not necessarily.  ENERGY STAR certification is not required to obtain the OG-300 Puerto Rico Supplement.  But if a manufacturer has ENERGY STAR certification for the system through ICC-SRCC, it will be noted on the supplement.

Hot water load patterns are used to indicate the size, timing and flowrate of hot water draws from the solar water heating system during a 24-hour time period.  Different building types, occupancies, local practices and the time of year all impact the amount of hot water drawn from a domestic water heater.  SRCC’s OG-300 program, which started in the US, utilizes a 64.3 gallon per day hot water draw pattern with two peaks, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The 64.3 gallon per day value was established by the U.S. Department of Energy for water heater testing prior to 2015. 

Recognizing that there are significant differences in the hot water drawn in various cases, the DOE created four different hot water draw patterns that were implemented in 2015.  These are labeled “Very Small Usage”, “Low Usage”, “Medium Usage”, and “High Usage” and represent different types of domestic hot water use.  The hot water draw patterns differ in both the total volume, and in the timing, flow rate and number of hot water draws, as summarized below.

Puerto Rico and other islands in the vicinity, like the US Virgin Islands, has unique conditions that differ from those in the continental US and Canada.  They include:

• High solar radiation, relatively stable water mains temperature, and no freezing conditions.
• Significantly lower domestic water consumption per capita than the continental US, on average.
• High incidence of hurricanes leading to grid reliability challenges.
• Common use of solar water heaters without gas or electric backup water heater.

As a result, solar water heating is very cost-effective and widely used in the region.  But the lower daily per capita water usage makes the standard 64.3 gallon per day hot water load pattern used by OG-300 less applicable.  Therefore, SRCC makes available performance ratings using a number of hot water loads to allow the most applicable to be selected.

The widespread use of solar water heaters as the sole source of domestic hot water (no gas or electric backup) means that added information is needed. Where the manufacturer offers a solar-only system configuration, the supplement includes the revised schematic and information on the percentage of hot water loads it can meet in the area.

Qualifying inspections must be completed within 6 months of the award of the first certification. Where a surveillance inspection is required, the notice is sent at the beginning of the year by SRCC. The assigned inspector is identified, and is tasked with contacting the listee to schedule the inspection. Surveillance inspections must be completed by the end of the calendar year when they are assigned, unless an alternate schedule is specifically approved by SRCC in advance.

Will I get a copy of the inspection report?

Non-conformities are documented deviations between the ICC-SRCC program requirements or areas where the Quality Management System has been found to be deficient in some way. If identified by the inspector, they will be documented in Part E of the Qualifying or Surveillance Inspection Report Form. Each is described in detail, the significance is rated, and recommended action to resolve the non-conformity is provided. Small corrections may be completed at the time of the inspection at the discretion of the inspector.

Non-conformities are documented deviations between the ICC-SRCC program requirements or areas where the Quality Management System has been found to be deficient in some way. If identified by the inspector, they will be documented in Part E of the Qualifying or Surveillance Inspection Report Form. Each is described in detail, the significance is rated, and recommended action to resolve the non-conformity is provided. Small corrections may be completed at the time of the inspection at the discretion of the inspector.

SRCC inspections are based on the requirements in a the document AC-10, Acceptance Criteria for Quality Documentation. It sets minimum requirements for quality systems used in the production of certified building products. The topics to be checked are listed in the inspection forms, and each section includes the associated references to AC-10 that serve as the basis. AC-10 is available to current SRCC listees upon request.

ICC-SRCC provides several documents and resources that can be used to prepare for an inspection. All are provided on a dedicated Inspection Webpage located on the SRCC website.

• Qualifying and Surveillance Inspection Report Forms: These forms are completed by the inspector and lay out the items that will be assessed.

• Inspection Report Form Instructions: These documents describe the items to be assessed and the information to be entered into the Inspection Report Forms. References to AC-10 are provided throughout for more details.

• Frequently Asked Questions: A comprehensive list of answers to the most common questions related to inspections is available in the FAQ section of the website.

Inspections also check for compliance with ICC-SRCC policies relevant to each certification program. Current policy documents can be found on the Forms & Policies Webpage. Those that are important for inspections include:

• Rules for Solar Heating & Cooling Listing Reports: This document establishes the policies and procedures used for all ICC-SRCC solar heating and cooling product certifications and listings.

• Rules for Mark and Certificate Use: This document explains the requirements for the use of ICC-SRCC certification marks and labels required under each certification program. Also see the Usage Guideline for ICC-SRCC Marks.

For additional questions, please contact us or ask your assigned inspector.

During inspections the inspector will confirm the compliance of the Quality Management System, check for changes to the design of the product, and verify program requirements (like product labeling).

Quality: Inspectors will review the Quality Management System implementation for topics that include:

• Quality system documentation
  • Manufacturing process descriptions
  • Organization chart and quality system roles
  • Complaint processing procedures
  • Records retention policies
  • Staff training on quality and production controls
• Design documentation,
  • Change management procedures
• Incoming goods processes,
• Production quality checks,
• Quality instrument and device calibrations

Design: Inspectors will check to confirm that design control measures are implemented and that changes to the product design are documented. If changes are noted, the inspector will confirm that they have been reported and reviewed with SRCC. Certification holders are required to have a procedure in place to promptly notify SRCC of changes to the design, materials or manufacture of certified products.

Program: Inspectors will confirm compliance with SRCC policies for the specific certification program. That includes verifying that products are labeled with the SRCC certification mark and the information required in the "Identification" section of the certificate.

See the Inspection Forms posted on the Inspection Webpage for the specific items reviewed during each inspection.

If the production line has not yet begun operation for a new product, an assigned inspection may be postponed at the discretion of ICC-SRCC. Listees in this situation should contact ICC-SRCC directly to determine the options available for their certification.

Yes. Inspection is still necessary, even if the production line is not currently operating. Even if it has not been operated since the last inspection. Part of SRCC's role as a third-party certification body is to independently verify compliance. Even if the production line is not operating at the time of the inspection, compliance with Quality Management System, design, and labeling requirements is still required.

It is preferred that the production line be in operation for any product subject to inspection, but this is not required.

ICC-SRCC strongly prefers to conduct inspections onsite and in-person. However, in some cases, a virtual inspection may be specified. ICC-SRCC will notify manufacturers if they are eligible for a virtual inspection.

Manufacturers should designate a primary contact for each facility subject to inspection. That person is responsible for identifying individuals within the organization who can address the questions from the inspector. See the Qualifying Inspection Form for more information on the kind of information that will be needed. But there is no limit to the number of individuals who may attend. The names and titles of each attendee must be recorded in the inspection report form.

Inspection times may vary depending on the number of certifications and details of the site. But generally, about 4-6 hours onsite. Inspectors may request some documentation in advance to reduce the time spent on-site.

Inspection fees vary by location. In most cases, inspection fees billed by ICC-SRCC include travel costs. Travel is only billed separately for certain locations that are difficult to reach. For information on the inspection fees for a specific location, please contact us.

Invoices for inspections and processing are sent to the manufacturer after the inspection has been completed and the completed inspection report has been sent to ICC-SRCC. You will not receive a bill from the inspector, only ICC-SRCC.

No. Inspection fees are billed by ICC-SRCC after we receive the completed report from the inspector. Inspections do not occur every year and are on a different schedule than renewals. By keeping them separated, renewals can be processed promptly to ensure that certification can be maintained continuously. It also allows for more flexibility in the scheduling of the inspection for a date that works best for your schedule.

If an inspection is scheduled and the manufacturer needs to reschedule, they must do so BEFORE the date of the inspection. If the inspector arrives and is unable to gain access or if the necessary staff are not available (necessitating a return trip), additional fees will be imposed.

After a manufacturer is notified of the need for an inspection and the assigned inspector, the inspector will reach out to the designated facility contact for scheduling. Inspectors make every effort to conduct inspections during normal business hours and to avoid weekends and scheduled holidays. ICC-SRCC does not conduct unannounced inspections.

If an inspection is scheduled and the manufacturer needs to reschedule, they must do so BEFORE the date of the inspection. If the inspector arrives and is unable to gain access or if the necessary staff are not available (necessitating a return trip), additional fees will be imposed.

On years when a full factory inspection is not required, the manufacturer is eligible to submit a self-assessment form instead. The self-assessment form will be supplied at the time of renewal. It must be completed and returned with the renewal application and fees to process the renewal. A self-assessment processing fee will be added to the renewal as well. Click here to access the self-assessment form. The information provided in the self-assessment form will be verified during the next factory inspection and will be available to the inspector.

ICC-SRCC will send each certification holder a notification at the beginning of each year indicating whether a factory inspection will be required that year. If yes, the notification will identify the assigned inspection provider. The inspector will then contact the manufacturer directly to schedule the inspection.

If not, the manufacturer is then eligible to submit a self-assessment form that year instead of having a full inspection. The self-assessment form will be supplied at the time of renewal. It must be completed and returned with the renewal application and fees to process the renewal. A self-assessment processing fee will be added to the renewal as well. Click here to access the self-assessment form. The information provided in the self-assessment form will be verified during the next factory inspection and will be available to the inspector.

In most cases, factory inspections are required every two years. ICC-SRCC reserves the right to require inspections more frequently if certification policies are violated, formal complaints are received or serious non-conformities are identified. For more information on the inspection interval for your certifications, contact ICC-SRCC staff.

In some cases, yes. ICC-SRCC has agreements with several Solar Keymark approved inspectors to allow them to conduct joint inspections for Solar Keymark certifications and ICC-SRCC certifications at the same time. In this case, the joint inspection must be arranged in advance since ICC-SRCC must have an agreement in place with the inspector and train them on SRCC's policies and procedures. At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector would complete two separate reports – one using the SKN form and the other using the SRCC form. Billing for the inspections is kept separate. ICC-SRCC contracts with the inspector for the SRCC portion of the inspection in the same manner as any other inspector and ICC-SRCC issues the invoice for the services. Billing for the SKN portion of the inspection is handled by the inspector and the associated SKN certification body, with no involvement from ICC-SRCC.

Manufacturers interested in setting up joint SKN/SRCC inspections should contact SRCC prior to the conduct of the inspection.

Inspections for each product are assigned to a third-party inspection provider by ICC-SRCC. ICC-SRCC contracts with numerous inspectors around the world. Inspectors are selected based on their availability, expertise, language and location. Before an inspection is scheduled, ICC-SRCC will notify the manufacturer of the required inspection and the assigned inspector. All assigned inspectors must agree to comply with ICC-SRCC’s policies for inspections, confidentiality, and conflict of interest. They receive training on the proper conduct of inspections for ICC-SRCC. If there are any concerns or questions regarding the inspector assigned, manufacturers should contact ICC-SRCC right away.

In most cases, inspections are conducted by a single inspector. But some inspection providers may involve more than one inspector with different specialties, or for training purposes. A lead inspector will be identified who will serve as the primary point of contact for both the manufacturer and ICC-SRCC.

Occasionally, ICC-SRCC staff or representatives may attend and witness an inspection for quality control purposes. This is done to monitor the quality of the service they provide and ensure consistency between inspection providers, and results in no additional costs to the listee.

No. SRCC inspections are conducted at the facilities and for the Quality Management Systems of the original certification holder and manufacturer only.

Possibly. The answer depends on the details of each situation. Contact ICC-SRCC directly.

Generally, no, if the product is manufactured at the same facility as the others under the same Quality Management System. In that case, the new certification will be included in the next inspection. If, however, the product covered by the new certification is manufactured at an entirely different facility, or under a completely different Quality Management System, it may trigger a new inspection. In that case, contact ICC-SRCC staff to review the specific situation.

No. ICC-SRCC allows new certifications to be issued prior to the conduct of a Qualifying (initial) Inspection. But that Qualifying Inspection must be carried out within 6 months of the award of the certification.

There are several cases where a listee may not have a traditional manufacturing line for a product they have listed with SRCC:

• Product is manufactured at another location by a different company (contract manufacturer) on the listee's behalf and the listee owns the design,
• Product is a private label, where it is manufactured and certified by a completely separate company who owns the design,
• Product is made up of off-the-shelf components and is assembled in the field.

Contract Manufacturer: If the product is manufactured entirely by another company, ICC-SRCC may need to inspect that supplier’s manufacturing facility. Or, if the product is first shipped to the listee where it is inspected and warehoused, it may be possible to conduct the inspection there. It often depends on the location where the functions of the Quality Management System are carried out. SRCC will review each specific case to determine the appropriate location to be subject to inspection.

Private Label: If the design is owned by another company, who manufactures it, certifies it and allows it to be certified by another company under a different name, it is known as a Private Label certification. In this case the inspection is conducted at the original equipment manufacturer's facility. Private labels are only available where specifically authorized by the original manufacturer/design owner/certification holder.

Field Assembly: If the product is comprised entirely of off-the-shelf components that are assembled in the field, ICC-SRCC will require still require an inspection of the Quality Management Systems – even though no assembly takes place at the listee’s facility. This can occur for certain types of OG-300 systems and some OG-100 collectors (e.g., PV water heating, solar air heating collectors). Generally this is done at the listee's location where the Quality Management System is operated and managed. SRCC reserves the right to require inspections of field-assembled, certified products for conformity with SRCC requirements.

Generally, as long as the same Quality Management System is used for both the solar thermal collectors and the solar water heating system, inspection requirements for OG-100 and OG-300 can be satisfied with a single inspection event. Contact ICC-SRCC if you have multiple manufacturing locations to discuss your specific requirements.

No, ICC-SRCC will assign and contract with the assigned inspection provider that will conduct the inspections. All invoicing for inspections is handled by ICC-SRCC. You will not receive a bill from the inspector.

Qualifying Inspections must be conducted for all production facilities and Quality Management Systems that have not been previously inspected by ICC-SRCC. The Qualifying Inspection seeks to capture baseline information on the facility and systems for use in subsequent inspections. A Qualifying Inspection may also be triggered if a production facility is moved or if it undergoes a significant modification.

Surveillance Inspections are conducted for production facilities and Quality Management Systems that have previously been documented in a Qualifying Inspection. They seek to evaluate changes since the last inspection and confirm continued implementation and adherence to the Quality Management System requirements. Surveillance inspections may also select specific products for a review to confirm continued adherence to ICC-SRCC policies for certification.

Qualifying and Surveillance inspections are documented using two different forms, which can be found on the Inspections Webpage, along with instructions for their completion. Both SRCC inspections are billed at the same rate and involve the same pool of inspection providers.

ICC-SRCC operates third-party certification programs accredited to ISO/IEC 17065. This means that it confirms that the product submitted for certification meets the requirements of the program at the time of application, and as long as the certification is continued. Periodic ICC-SRCC inspections confirm that quality processes are in place to produce compliant products in an ongoing fashion.

Many North American regulatory bodies and incentive programs that specify ICC-SRCC certification require follow-up inspections (also known as "surveillance"). For example, building codes in North America require that solar thermal products be third-party certified to ICC/SRCC standards. The International Building Code defines this as:

THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIED. Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification in accordance with the requirements of the third-party certification agency.

2024 International Building Code (IBC)

Inspections also provide value to consumers and listees. Inspections provide consumers with confidence that the products they buy from the manufacturer will perform as well and as safely as the samples that were originally tested or evaluated for the ICC-SRCC certification. Inspections provide listees with confidence that ICC-SRCC’s policies for certification are being enforced equally for all, and that there is a “level playing field” in the marketplace.

Products certified under the OG-100, OG-300, OG-400, listings and ENERGY STAR programs are
subject to inspection to maintain the certification.

Yes. Whether the requirement for the year is an on-site inspection or a self-assessment,
inspections provide critical information to ICC-SRCC to confirm continued compliance with
certification requirements for all certification and listing programs.

Yes, there is an annual fee required in order to renew certifications in each OG program and for listings. If changes are made to the certified product, they may also result in Editorial or Technical Modification fees (depending on the nature of the change).

Inspections of production quality systems are generally required every two years, with self-assessments on intervening years. Fees for inspections are are based on the location of facility and type of inspection. Contact us for more information on the fees for your facility.