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 […]
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What information will SRCC need about my product if I apply for certification?
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 […]
Can I get an ENERGY STAR® certification for a solar thermal collector?
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 […]
Can solar-only (no backup) systems receive ENERGY STAR certification?
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.
Why is the solar fraction for the DOE Very Small Usage Pattern (10 gallons per day) lower than the DOE Low Usage Pattern (38 gallons per day) in some cases?
There are several factors that could cause the solar fraction for the Very Small Usage Pattern to be lower than the Low Usage Pattern. 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 […]
How are the OG-300 performance ratings calculated?
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 […]
Who can obtain an OG-300 Puerto Rico Supplement?
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 […]
What if I want to find out what the ratings in Puerto Rico would be without necessarily ordering the Supplement?
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.
Can a manufacturer get the Puerto Rico Supplement for a solar water heating system without first getting OG-300 certification?
No. Solar water heating systems must first have an active OG-300 certification before they are eligible for a Puerto Rico Supplement.
How long are OG-300 Puerto Rico Supplements valid?
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.