Message from the Executive Director.

If there is but one guarantee in life, it's nothing stays the same. At the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC), that has certainly been the case. Welcome to our first edition of ICC-SRCC News! Each one of us at the ICC-SRCC has a different perspective and different news we want to share with you. That's why I asked them all to contribute to this inaugural newsletter. Please take a moment to read the articles.

ICC-SRCC approved by the city of Los Angeles.

ICC-SRCC has been approved by the city of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety as a listing agency for the SRCC 100 and 300 standards. Compliance with these standards is required by the 2012 IAPMO Uniform Solar Energy Code, which is adopted by the city. As a result, the ICC-SRCC certification mark is now accepted by city inspectors as evidence of compliance with these requirements of the city's code for solar thermal collectors and systems.

ICC-SRCC launches new Code and Standard Listing Program.

ICC-SRCC's merger with International Code Council has made possible the launch of a new program to provide listings to many of the codes and standards used by jurisdictions throughout the United States. ICC-SRCC's intent was to provide a one-stop-shop for all certifications needed for solar thermal systems in the U.S. The new Listing Program now offers listings to the following codes and standards.

New solar pool heating system standard is on the way!

ICC-SRCC began work in 2015 on a new standard setting minimum requirements for solar pool heating and cooling systems. This work continues in 2016 with partner organizations the International Code Council and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP). While SRCC Standard 100 addresses unglazed collectors commonly used in solar pool heating systems, SRCC Standard 300 does not address solar pool heating systems. To meet the need for minimum requirements for these systems, ICC-SRCC, ICC and APSP partnered to produce a consensus standard seeking ANSI approval, like the new Standard 100 and 300 documents.

Program updates and changes.

In an effort to continuously improve its program and meet the needs of a changing marketplace, ICC-SRCC is implementing a number of changes in 2016, including the OG-100 and OG-300 programs to better meet the needs of participants.

ICC-SRCC standards are referenced in growing number of codes.

It is well known that ICC-SRCC standards are cited in dozens of incentive programs nationwide for solar thermal systems. They also are cited in the Federal Tax Code and the ENERGY STAR Residential Water Heater Specification. What you may not know is that ICC-SRCC standards are required by a growing number of building codes. Currently, SRCC 100 and 300 are cited in the 2015 International Residential Code and the 2015 IAPMO Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code. They also are cited in documents such as the 2012 National Green Building Standard™ (ICC 700-2012).

Development of the 2018 editions of ICC and IAPMO codes has begun, and with several code change proposals addressing solar thermal under consideration, the number of codes making use of ICC-SRCC standards may grow further.

Stay up-to-date on solar thermal systems through the codes and standards subcommittee.

Looking for a quick way to stay up-to-date on changes to codes and standards for solar thermal systems? Want a place to discuss ideas for changes to the ICC-SRCC standards? Then the ICC-SRCC Codes and Standards Subcommittee is the place for you. The group meets via conference call and webinar on the first Thursday of each month. The calls are open to any interested individual. For more information contact standards@solar-rating.org.

Find out how your products rate using ICC-SRCC's modeling services.

For those manufacturers developing new products or changes to existing products, ICC-SRCC offers modeling services. Using this service you can find out how a new design or design change would rate using the OG-100 or OG-300 program. The results are not made public and do not result in a certification. Costs are economical at $250 per model for OG-100 modeling and $500 per model for OG-300. To take advantage of this service, contact apply@solar-rating.org or visit the SRCC Fee Schedule and look under "Other Fees".

Updates are coming soon to SRCC OG-300 models.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy began efforts to review and refine the models used to describe the performance of solar thermal energy systems. The result of this work is a set of new computer models that has been vetted by internationally recognized experts in solar water heating system modeling. The new models provide significant improvements over the computer models currently used by ICC-SRCC for the OG-300 program. Read more.

Looking forward to providing your certification needs.

The ICC-SRCC staff appreciates your participation in our programs and we look forward to providing your certification needs in 2016. Always feel free to contact me with any questions. If I don't have an answer right away, I will get you one. Here are some updates on a few items.

Look for the ICC-SRCC Certification and Listing Marks.

We have updated our ICC-SRCC Certification and Listing Marks to reflect our proud commitment as a member of the International Code Council Family of Companies. For the rules and requirements associated with their use, please read our ICC-SRCC TRADEMARK AND CERTIFICATION USE POLICY, which can also can be found under "Legal Notices" at the bottom of each ICC-SRCC webpage.

Join the Solar Heating and Cooling Alliance.

The U.S. Solar Heating and Cooling Alliance — a division of SEIA focused on growing the solar heating and cooling market by reducing barriers and advocating for policies on the federal, state and local levels — is a leading proponent and provider of advocacy, knowledge and community to installers, manufacturers, financiers and other entities. You and your company can take part in the following benefits.

Certification & listing programs