This chapter of the residential compliance manual addresses residential solar ready buildings requirements. These requirements are new for the 2013 Standards (§110.10). The intent of the solar ready requirements is to provide a penetration free and shade free portion of the roof, called the solar zone. This helps ensure future installation of a solar energy system is not precluded by the original design and layout of the building and its associated equipment. There are no infrastructure related requirements, such as installation of conduit or piping, inclusion of collateral structural loads, or pre-installed mounting hardware.
The requirements for solar ready buildings are mandatory measures for newly constructed single family residences and low-rise multifamily residential buildings, and do not apply to either additions or alterations.