SOLAR HEATING & COOLING RESOURCES

The contents of this Section, including all opinions and other postings, are offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should consult directly with an attorney or accountant for individual advice regarding your particular situation.

WEBINAR – Significant Changes in 2020 ICC/SRCC Standards (6/2021)

This webinar describes the significant changes in the latest, 2020 editions of the ICC/SRCC solar thermal standards. It address changes to requirements for solar thermal collectors in ICC 901/SRCC 100 and for solar thermal systems in ICC 900/SRCC 300. It also describes the process for rolling out the standards in the OG-100 and OG-300 certification programs.


Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Energy Simulation Tools

Natural Resources Canada has developed and maintains energy simulation tools for low-rise residential buildings. The software was designed to support the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes and R-2000 energy efficiency programs. NRCan also supported the addition of Canadian One-Day Ratings to most ICC-SRCC OG-300 system certifications. This value, which is based on the conditions established in the CAN/CSA F379 Series-09 (R2013) - Packaged solar domestic hot water systems standard.


Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

DSIRE is the a comprehensive online source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. DSIRE contains information on many regulations and incentive programs for solar heating and cooling technologies, most of which reference SRCC OG-100 and/or OG-300 certification. The easy-to-use website allows users to seek out programs applicable to their U.S. state and technology and application of interest. Click here to learn more about DSIRE.


U.S. Federal Tax Credit for Residential Solar Water Heaters

The Federal Residential Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has provided tax credits for qualifying renewable and energy efficient products installed in U.S. residences since 2006 (§ 25D of the Internal Revenue Code). Solar Water Heating equipment is included this credit where the product is "certified for performance by the nonprofit Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed." (§ 25D(b)(2)). For more information see the IRS Instructions for Form 5695 and consult a qualified tax professional.

Note: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 extended term of this program, increased the credit available and added new requirements. Updated guidance from the IRS is expected in late 2022/early 2023.

Additional resources are provided below:


WEBINAR – Evolution of Solar Thermal Requirements in US Building Codes (1/2019)

This webinar was originally presented in January, 2019, and provides an overview of the codes that impact the solar heating thermal industry across the U.S. It identifies the relevant model codes and where they are adopted. It also notes states where local and amended codes are being used, creating localized requirements. The webinar describes ways key solar industry standards like SRCC Standard 100, 300 and 400 are referenced in the codes. It also shows how many other non-solar standards like NSF 61, NSF 372, UL 1703 and ASCE 7 can apply to solar heating and cooling systems. It ends by showing how certifications and listings are used to show compliance with code requirements.