Code officials have been asking for training on solar energy systems — and ICC listened — delivering a well-received, solar training session to almost 350 code officials at the Finger Lakes Building Official Association Educational Conference in New York. Leading industry experts Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) Technical Director Jim Huggins and ICC Director of PMG Activities Shawn Martin taught a three-hour course, "Introduction to Solar Water Heating for Code Officials."
The New York Division of Building Standards and Codes (DBSC) requires code officials to obtain 24 hours of training on the New York State Codes. With an increase of solar related inspections, the DBSC approved the course for this conference. Demand for the class also was driven by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recent announcement to broaden its Solar Hot Water Program. In announcing new funding guidelines for the program, NYSERDA said, "To qualify, equipment must be certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation."
The ICC-SRCC training provided an introduction to solar thermal water heating technology, and the key differences between it and the more widely known solar electric, photovoltaic technology. Huggins provided an overview of system functions, key components and the various types of systems in use. Martin addressed the impact of codes and standards on solar thermal water heating.
Course attendees were introduced to the ICC publication International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP), a new resource that contains all the solar-related provisions in the 2015 I-Codes. It also includes the three ICC-SRCC standards for solar thermal systems that are referenced in the 2015 I-Codes. With the growing demand for solar energy projects, the ISEP greatly benefits the solar energy industry, code officials, first responders, architects, engineers and builders by providing a single, organized source of solar thermal and photovoltaic safety code provisions in one publication available as a hardcopy book and PDF download. |
