The water heating calculation method allows water heating credits for solar water heaters. Solar thermal systems save energy by using renewable resources to offset the use of conventional energy sources.
For single-dwelling solar thermal systems, systems must be Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or IAPMO R&T approved. Accepted testing procedures include either a fully approved system with OG-300 test results or a built up system that uses the collector (OG-100) rating. For detailed instructions on installation of solar water heaters, refer to Reference Appendix RA4.4.20.
The database of SRCC-certified equipment is on the SRCC website at the following link:
http://www.solar-rating.org/certification_listing_directory/index.html
The database of IAPMO R&T-certified equipment is on the IAPMO R&T website at the following link:
http://www.iapmort.org/Pages/SolarCertification.aspx
Figure 5-16 summarizes the process flow for demonstrating compliance via the prescriptive and performance approaches for solar thermal systems.
Figure 5-16: Compliance Process for Solar Thermal System
Regardless of the system type installed and compliance method chosen, mandatory requirements for pipe insulation apply as described in Section 5.3.5.1.
All buildings constructed by the State of California shall have solar water-heating systems. The solar system shall be sized and designed to provide at least 60 percent of the energy needed for service water heating from site solar energy or recovered energy. There is an exception for buildings for which the DSA determines that water heating from recovered or site solar energy is economically or physically infeasible. See the Compliance Options section below for more information about solar water heating systems.
There are mandatory requirements for all buildings to be “solar ready.” The motivation behind having solar-ready requirements is to encourage future installations of photovoltaic and solar water-heating systems if these systems are not installed during the time when newly constructed buildings are built. Details on these solar ready requirements are in Chapter 7 − “Solar Ready Requirements” of this compliance manual. In summary, the elements to being solar-ready include:
1. A designated solar zone.
2. Designated conduit and plumbing paths.
3. Documentation for solar zone and paths on construction plans.
4. Adequate electric busbar and panel capacity.