Solar Thermal System Standards and Code Updates across ICC-SRCC, IAPMO, and Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Solar and solar thermal system technologies enable clean, renewable energy on sites where traditional conventional sources may be problematic, expensive or simply don’t exist. With that in mind, the International Code Council (ICC)/Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) have completed new editions of three solar thermal standards for buildings: ICC Code Series 901 and SRCC Code Series 100, 300 and 400. Building Energy Efficiency Standards have been updated, and IAPMO
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New ICC/SRCC Standards Help Solar Thermal Systems Meet Growing Demand
The Code Council’s Solar Thermal Standard Consensus Committee (IS-STSC) solicited proposals for changes to the previous 2015 editions of the standards in late 2019. The group worked throughout 2020 to review the proposals and develop draft updated versions of the standards. The committee also convened working groups to address specific topics that it felt warranted additional focus. These included photovoltaic-thermal hybrid collectors (PVTs), concentrating collectors, photovoltaic water heaters, and fire safety. Many recommendations from these working groups were also incorporated into the draft standard documents. After soliciting feedback on the revised documents through several public comment periods, the committee voted to finalize the documents in November 2020.
Pre-publication versions of the updated standards can now be viewed on the ICC Online Digital Codes website. The final publication will be available for purchase in electronic and hardcopy forms early in 2021.
2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings for the 2019 Building Efficiency Standards
The 2019 update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards focuses on several key areas to improve the energy efficiency of newly constructed buildings and additions and alterations to existing buildings. The most significant efficiency improvements to the residential Standards include the introduction of photovoltaic into the prescriptive package, improvements for attics, walls, water heating, and lighting. The most significant efficiency improvements to the nonresidential Standards include alignment with the ASHRAE 90.1 2017 national standards. The 2019 Standards also include changes made throughout all of its sections to improve the clarity, consistency, and readability of the regulatory language.
IAPMO Updates the Uniform Solar, Hydronics & Geothermal Code and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code
The 2021 editions topic areas for proposed changes to the USHGC include: applicable standards for hydronic system components; heat pumps; dual purpose water heaters; protection of potable water supply and applicable standards; pressure testing; discharge piping; expansion tanks and sizing; oxygen permeation; joining methods and connections for hydronic distribution piping and tubing; safety devices; radiant wall and ceiling panels; tube fasteners; tracer wires; solar photovoltaic systems; and applicable equipment standards.
Topic areas for proposed changes to the USPSHTC include: flood resistant design and construction for flood hazard areas; applicable material standards for building supply, water distribution, and circulation system piping and fittings; water supply and circulation system pipe joints and connections; tracer wires; pool lifts and accessibility; slip-resistant walkway surfaces; islands; lazy rivers; bridges; vanishing edge pools; beach entry pools; ventilation of indoor aquatic facilities; water chemistry; heaters; zero-depth entry pools; signage; secondary entrapment prevention.
View these documents in their entirety via the following:
USHGC: http://codes.iapmo.org/docs/2021/USEHC/2020%20USHGC%20ROC%20Monograph.pdf
USPSHTC: http://codes.iapmo.org/docs/2021/USPSHTC/2020%20USPSHTC%20ROC%20Monograph.pdf
Register for the upcoming webinar and join in the discussion on Solar Thermal Code Updates & Best Practices