9.5   Exceptions

There are five exceptions to the solar zone area requirement described in §110.10(b)1B Four of these five exceptions are described below. Although the language in the Energy Standards implies that these four exceptions only apply to the solar zone requirements, the intent of the Energy Standard is for the exceptions to apply to the solar zone requirement as well as the interconnection pathway requirements described in §110.10(c) and the documentation requirements described in §110.10(d)

•      PV System is Permanently Installed (Exception 1 to §110.10(b)1B): Buildings are exempt from solar zone, interconnection pathway and documentation requirements if a solar PV system with a nameplate direct current (DC) power rating of no less than 1 watt per ft² roof area is permanently installed at the time of construction. The nameplate rating must be measured under Standard Test Conditions. The permanently installed solar PV system can be installed anywhere on the building site. To verify compliance with this exception form NRCI-SPV-01-E Certificate of Installation: Solar Photovoltaic System must be submitted.

•      SWH System is Permanently Installed (Exception 2 to §110.10(b)1B): Buildings are exempt from solar zone, interconnection pathway and documentation requirements if a domestic SWH system is permanently installed at the time of construction. The SWH system must comply with §150.1(c)8Ciii, the prescriptive solar water heating system requirements when installing a water-heating system serving multiple dwelling units. The permanently installed domestic SWH collectors can be installed anywhere on the building site. To verify compliance with this exception form NRCI-STH-01-E Certificate of Installation: Solar Water Heating System must be submitted.

•      High-rise Multifamily Building with Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats (OCST) and High-efficacy lighting (Exception 4 to §110.10(b)1B): High-rise multifamily buildings that comply with items 1 through  5 below are exempt from solar zone, interconnection pathway and documentation requirements.

1.   All thermostats in each dwelling unit are Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats (OCST) with communications capabilities enabled to receive and respond to Demand Response signals. An OCST is a setback thermostat with communication capabilities that enable the occupant to receive Demand Response related messages and respond to those signals by automatic adjustment of the thermostat setpoint as described in Joint Appendix JA5 (subject to occupant participation). Enabling communications capabilities requires that the OCST has one of the following: onboard communications capabilities, an installed communications module for OCSTs with removable communications module(s), or an installed communications gateway for an OCST where an external gateway is required for communications.

OCST must be certified by the Energy Commission to meet the requirements described in Joint Appendix JA5.

2.   All permanently installed indoor lighting in each dwelling unit is high efficacy and is installed in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and private garages at a minimum. Permanently installed nightlights complying with §150.0(k)1E and lighting integral to exhaust fans complying with §150.0(k)1F are allowed.

3.   All permanently installed lighting in bathrooms is controlled by a vacancy sensor, except for one high efficacy luminaire with total lamp wattage no greater than 26 watts.

4.   Every room that does not have permanently installed lighting has at least one switched receptacle installed.

5.   All permanently installed outdoor lighting for private patios, entrances, balconies, and porches is high efficacy and controlled by an on/off switch and either a photocontrol or astronomical time clock or energy management control system.

•      Roof Designed for Vehicle Traffic or Parking or Heliport (Exception 5 to section 110.10(b)1B):

•      Buildings are exempt from solar zone interconnection pathway and documentation requirements if the roof is designed for vehicle traffic (parking lot) or if the roof is designed as a helicopter landing zone.

Exception (Exception 3 to §110.10(b)1B allows the minimum solar zone are to be reduced if the solar access at the building site is limited. Exception 3 to §110.10(b)1B is described in more detail above in the minimum solar zone area section of this chapter (Section 9.3.1).