Clean Energy Question of the Week
IREC and our EMPOWERED partners are committed to providing you with up to date, reliable, and vetted information that meets your needs. Join us each week for answers to your clean energy questions provided by leading industry organizations. The answer to each question contains links to additional resources you can explore to learn more!
Check out this week’s question and answer:
SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for a number of residential solar systems with energy storage. Before starting a new project in SolarAPP+, confirm that the system complies with the Eligibility Checklist. When entering project information, have ready:
- The design with exact model numbers of equipment that will be used
- Specification or certification sheets
- The payment method
Learn More
The SolarAPP+ tool is designed for quicker and more efficient issuance of permits. Join the growing number of jurisdictions across the country who have issued over 11,000 permits using the SolarApp+ platform. Visit the SolarAPP+ knowledge center to find all your SolarAPP+ answers and resources.
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Solar
SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for a number of residential solar systems with energy storage. Before starting a new project in SolarAPP+, confirm that the system complies with the Eligibility Checklist. When entering project information, have ready:
- The design with exact model numbers of equipment that will be used
- Specification or certification sheets
- The payment method
Learn More
The SolarAPP+ tool is designed for quicker and more efficient issuance of permits. Join the growing number of jurisdictions across the country who have issued over 11,000 permits using the SolarApp+ platform. Visit the SolarAPP+ knowledge center to find all your SolarAPP+ answers and resources.
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Performing a plan review for solar PV systems is crucial to ensuring safety, compliance, efficiency, and quality of the installation. It is important to consistently review plans to ensure that solar systems are installed properly and meet all necessary building codes and regulations.
Consider an example from Bakersfield, California where in one year when they received over 4,000 permit applications for residential PV systems, 13% of those applications did not meet the minimum code requirements for compliance issues for either structural or electrical requirements.
Code officials are engaged in the building process from the initial plan to the finished product, and your work impacts every building in every community. Because of your commitment to building safety, our buildings stand, our communities prosper, and our homes are safe. Your thorough review of each PV system plan application matters.
Learn More:
In this Introduction course on Plan Review and Permitting for Residential PV Systems, get to know the primary tasks to confirm the code compliance of most residential roof-mounted PV systems prior to issuing a permit.
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Standard permitting and inspection processes for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS) can vary greatly across local jurisdictions, increasing costs and extending project timelines for building officials, contractors, and system owners. For many residential projects, including rooftop PV systems up to 15 kilowatts (kW) and in some cases for ESS up to 80 kilowatt-hours (kWh), a simplified process can ensure that projects are safe, effective, and in compliance with universally adopted construction codes.
To streamline permitting, building officials can download a six-step checklist covering the information required for permitting review, electrical requirements, structural requirements, and more. For field inspections, building officials can download checklists that address notable installation requirements for PV systems and ESS. The inspection checklists can be customized with state and local requirements. Bill Brooks, an industry expert and principal engineer at Brooks Engineering, drafted each set of checklists with support from the Sustainable Energy Action Committee, SolSmart, and IREC.
Learn More:
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SolarAPP+ is a web-based platform that streamlines the permitting process for solar energy projects. Solar permitting applications can be time consuming and resource intensive for local governments to review and approve. The high volume of these applications can lead to backlogs and delays in solar deployment. SolarAPP+ is a tool that helps accelerate solar deployment by allowing developers to check code compliance before submitting their designs for permit approval. This can help to reduce the workload for local governments and improve efficiency. The platform was developed and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 2019, and is now in use in multiple states and jurisdictions.
Learn More
In this mini course, you will learn how to use the inspection checklist from the SolarAPP+ tool to efficiently and effectively inspect a rooftop residential PV system with an energy storage system (ESS).
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Solar energy systems can sometimes face more complicated and costly permitting processes in areas where permit reviewers are less familiar with the technology. A simplified process can help streamline the permitting of most residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, including those with energy storage. This simplified process can help reduce informational barriers and ensure that all items in the inspection process have been adequately addressed before inspectors arrive on site.
Learn More
If you are a plan reviewer, inspector, or installer, these permitting and inspection guides from the New Buildings Institute provide an overview of code requirements for the installation of energy storage systems (stand-alone and paired with simple photovoltaic systems) in single-family, multifamily, and office buildings.
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Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming more common across the country. When inspecting a PV + ESS, there can be a lot of system components to review, from the modules, to inverters and disconnects, to the ESS itself. To ensure a safe and correct inspection, it is valuable to understand the system components you will encounter and how to refer to approved plans and installation manuals.
Learn More
In this instructional video, you will learn from Chief Electrical Inspector Pete Jackson about the ins and outs of a solar PV system with a string inverter and a Tesla PowerWall in Bakersfield, California. This video course will help you educate yourself about the components of the system and related codes and standards, as well as permitting and inspection guides.
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Today, many jurisdictions have the option of saving time with automated validation for solar PV systems. Automated permitting streamlines the permitting process and ensures consistency during the validation of solar PV system designs. In 2021, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) worked with IREC and other partners to develop SolarAPP+, short for Solar Automated Permit Processing. This is an online automated design validation tool that can evaluate many new residential rooftop solar PV systems.
Learn More
- How to Inspect a PV System Using SolarAPP+ (30 minute course for AHJs)
- How to Use SolarAPP+ For Rooftop Solar Projects (30 minute course for installers)
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To responsibly issue a permit for a safe residential solar PV system, the most important aspect to consider is the accurate validation of the system design. This validation need not take a lot of time, but the process should be consistently performed. The traditional approach to issuing a permit is manual system design validation. PV and energy storage systems must comply with jurisdictional building, electrical, and fire codes. One plans examiner may review and validate all aspects of the plan, or the plan may go to more than one department for review and approval.
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To verify a permit plan application for a residential rooftop solar PV system, the submitted plan must include at a minimum:
- A site plan showing the location of the array along with the relative location of major components.
- A 1-line electrical diagram that shows PV array configuration, conductors and conduit, overcurrent protection, inverter(s), disconnects, point of utility interconnection.
- Specification sheets showing equipment listing and details for the modules, inverter, racking system, and other components as needed.
- Installation manuals for system equipment and components as needed.
Learn More
This downloadable job-aid provides a basic checklist of items that should be considered when reviewing a permit plan application for a solar PV system.
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High Performance Buildings
Technological advancements have revolutionized the building construction and safety industry, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy in achieving safe and resilient communities. Governments at various levels have incorporated digitization into their processes, such as online permit applications, payment of permit fees, submittal of plans, and digital plan reviews. Remote virtual inspections (RVI) have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a valuable solution that offers numerous benefits for the building construction and safety industry, including increased efficiency, convenience, safety, accuracy, and consistency.
Learn More:
The International Code Council (ICC) has developed a detailed publication, Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections (RVI), which provides comprehensive guidance on RVI implementation and administration, making it easy for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to incorporate these procedures into their inspection processes. You can also get access to a free checklist, Remote Virtual Inspection Protocols and Checklist for Residential Energy Code Inspections, which covers the process for inspecting residential projects complying with the 2018 or 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
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Implementing a building control system in the field can involve a mechanical engineer, controls engineer, controls technician, electrical contractor, testing and balancing contractor, and commissioning agent. Understanding the relationship between all these roles can go a long way toward helping a project go smoothly.
Learn More
In this CEU bearing course, you will learn how facility staff can participate during the controls implementation process and how an understanding of the implementation process can improve the long-term performance of the control system and the building in general.
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Building electrification is the process of moving from fossil fuel-powered buildings to electric-powered buildings. Systems within the electrified building, such as space heating, water heating, cooking appliances, and laundry, would be powered by electricity. These are necessary steps for buildings to achieve 100 percent clean, renewable energy and align with state and municipal climate goals. Cities, counties, and states will have different approaches to policies and incentives toward implementing an electric-only strategy. Already, a quarter of U.S. homes are all-electric, and across the country many communities are adopting ordinances as an update to their adopted energy codes.
Learn More
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, through this report, has put together examples of municipalities with some level of electrification requirements for new residential and commercial buildings, as well as specific proposed code language that any community can adopt to help reach zero carbon in new buildings. Check it out!
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Explore this Question of the Week
As demand increases for efficient, resilient, and durable buildings, construction materials and technologies are rapidly evolving. There are multiple clean energy technologies that we will begin to see more widely on buildings as a result of the growing clean energy industry and federal funding.
Learn More
This five-minute video provides an introduction to grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEB) and associated clean energy technologies.
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Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
Updating municipal codes to accelerate EV readiness can help remove barriers and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. By updating codes to allow for the installation of EV charging infrastructure, for example, cities can make it easier for residents and businesses to own and use electric vehicles. Similarly, by updating building codes to require new construction to include provisions for EV charging, cities can ensure that new developments are “EV ready,” which can make it easier for future electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles at home or at work. Updating codes can also help to ensure that electric vehicle infrastructure is built to a high standard and is compatible with the needs of electric vehicle owners.
Learn More:
Learn more about how cities can advance EV adoption by lowering barriers through this report from Forth: Pulling the Right Levers: How Cities Can Advance EV Adoption by Lowering Barriers.
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To meet transportation electrification goals and the increasing demand for EV charging options, states, utilities, and local governments will need to adopt policies that can streamline the process for connecting EV charging infrastructure to the grid. Delays at different stages of the process currently create uncertainty for project developers and slow down the transition to electrified transportation. The main factors that contribute to these delays include 1) interconnection process delays, 2) difficulties obtaining easements (which grant utilities the right to install, access, and service electrical equipment on a property), and 3) slow permitting processes.
States and local governments across the country are implementing best practices to help streamline the interconnection process. A few of these include 1) utilities ensuring that any staff working on EV infrastructure projects have charger-specific knowledge, 2) state legislatures requiring utilities to implement programs that allow for more cost- and time-efficient charger interconnections like “make-ready” programs, and 3) AHJs ensuring that information about the permitting process, including a list of any materials required to be submitted along with a permit request, is online and easy to find.
Learn More
These best practices and more can be read about in this IREC report, Paving the Way: Emerging Best Practices for Electric Vehicle Charger Interconnection, which can be used as guidance for jurisdictions looking to enable the rapid deployment of EV chargers.
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While the electric vehicle (EV) market is still at a relatively early stage of development, EVs are fast gaining popularity and market share. Car manufacturers have plans in place for fleet rollout over the coming years, and federal governments the world over are putting in place policies to make the EV adoption path more attainable. The electric vehicle story is most certainly going to accelerate, and like any disruptive technology there is no shortage of exciting challenges that everyone involved in the ecosystem will get to solve. It will take everyone from policymakers, to utilities, to building owners, to code and safety officials, to the consumers themselves to ensure a successful transition.
Making the decision to provide access to EV charging infrastructure at your commercial building is one of those challenges that requires a sound strategy for positive deployment. First, you should recognize that installing EV chargers can bring a number of benefits, including attracting and retaining EV driving tenants; supporting residents in purchasing or leasing EVs through greater awareness and access to charging infrastructure; increasing your property values; and more. Before installing commercial EV charging stations, it’s imperative that you consider several factors, including charger type, station location, and your long-term business goals.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about these factors and other topics like funding options and case studies of successful EV charging infrastructure, check out this 60-minute IREC webinar on The Possibilities of EV Charging.
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Are you interested in installing electric vehicle charging equipment at your building? If you are a building owner, you have almost certainly been asked about installing a charger for electric vehicles (EVs). These quiet, reliable, and efficient vehicles are growing in number and popularity. The interactive resource linked below is designed to introduce building owners of multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) to the basic requirements associated with installing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). You can get started today by learning more about the costs and benefits of installing an electric vehicle charging station at your site.
Learn More
- This resource for building owners covers the basic requirements associated with installing electric vehicle chargers.
- Toolkit for Vehicle Charging at Multi-Unit Dwellings (Forth Mobility)
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Given the increased frequency of natural disasters, many have wondered about temporary ways to power their home while waiting for utility grid power to be restored. Some car manufacturers describe this capability. A little background: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) is the broader term used to describe the storage of energy within an EV and its ability to supply power for particular end uses, including buildings (V2B), homes (V2H), load (V2L), and the grid (V2G). Vehicle to grid (V2G) is not yet in use throughout the U.S., but the technology, equipment, and related codes and standards recognize the possibility.
Learn More
- This short course that summarizes the key points of V2H, V2G, and V2X.
- Interested in the comprehensive technical details? Read the report produced by IREC in January 2022: Paving the Way: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Standards for Electric Vehicles.
- Look at pilot projects happening to test bi-directional charging: General Motors and Pacific Gas Electric are planning to test the use of electric vehicles as a backup power source for homes in 2022 (NPR, March 2022)
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With more than 25 million electric vehicles expected to be on U.S. roads by 2020, questions about charging are common. EV charging is completely safe when the installation is in conformance with the relevant installation codes, U.S. product safety standards, and manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Learn More
- Check out this short course if you’re interested in learning the facts about the codes and standards that govern the safe installation of electric vehicle supply equipment.
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Energy Storage
Standard permitting and inspection processes for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS) can vary greatly across local jurisdictions, increasing costs and extending project timelines for building officials, contractors, and system owners. For many residential projects, including rooftop PV systems up to 15 kilowatts (kW) and in some cases for ESS up to 80 kilowatt-hours (kWh), a simplified process can ensure that projects are safe, effective, and in compliance with universally adopted construction codes.
To streamline permitting, building officials can download a six-step checklist covering the information required for permitting review, electrical requirements, structural requirements, and more. For field inspections, building officials can download checklists that address notable installation requirements for PV systems and ESS. The inspection checklists can be customized with state and local requirements. Bill Brooks, an industry expert and principal engineer at Brooks Engineering, drafted each set of checklists with support from the Sustainable Energy Action Committee, SolSmart, and IREC.
Learn More:
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Solar energy systems can sometimes face more complicated and costly permitting processes in areas where permit reviewers are less familiar with the technology. A simplified process can help streamline the permitting of most residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, including those with energy storage. This simplified process can help reduce informational barriers and ensure that all items in the inspection process have been adequately addressed before inspectors arrive on site.
Learn More
If you are a plan reviewer, inspector, or installer, these permitting and inspection guides from the New Buildings Institute provide an overview of code requirements for the installation of energy storage systems (stand-alone and paired with simple photovoltaic systems) in single-family, multifamily, and office buildings.
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Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming more common across the country. When inspecting a PV + ESS, there can be a lot of system components to review, from the modules, to inverters and disconnects, to the ESS itself. To ensure a safe and correct inspection, it is valuable to understand the system components you will encounter and how to refer to approved plans and installation manuals.
Learn More
In this instructional video, you will learn from Chief Electrical Inspector Pete Jackson about the ins and outs of a solar PV system with a string inverter and a Tesla PowerWall in Bakersfield, California. This video course will help you educate yourself about the components of the system and related codes and standards, as well as permitting and inspection guides.
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With the prevalence of energy storage system (ESS) installations, codes and standards have been updated to address the technology. Product standards like UL 9540 and testing like 9540A allow for safer installation of energy storage systems.
- References to ESS appear in the I-Codes:
- and NFPA Standards:
- NFPA 1 Fire Code
- NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 706
- NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Energy Storage Systems
- NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
- NFPA 111, Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems
The codes and standards require electrochemical ESSs to be listed in accordance with UL 9540, the Standard for Safety of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, which was first introduced in November 2016. The terminology can be a bit confusing. UL 9540 is a system listing, and is not for components. UL 9540A is a testing method, not a listing or certification. The combination of product standards and testing provide confidence in the safety of the systems for both authorities having jurisdictions and consumers.
Learn More
- Listen to this webinar to hear a California Fire Marshal and an advisor to a DOE national lab discuss the standards in practical terms.
- Read the informational bulletin from an Industry Working Group: UL 9540A Fire Test Standard for Battery Energy Storage Systems.
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Permit applications are on the rise for residential energy storage systems in jurisdictions across the country. In some cases, building departments are seeing these systems for the first time. The permitting and inspection of an energy storage system extends beyond just the National Electrical Code® (NEC). The permit application should be reviewed by the wiring or electrical inspector and also inspectors for building and fire code compliance.
- Hear Chief Michael O’Brian, Brighton Area Fire Authority, answer this question in a recorded webinar about what impacts the safety of ESS.
- Download a guide to multiple codes related to ESS Guide: Energy Storage Systems: Based on the IBC®, IFC®, IRC® and NEC®
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With the prevalence of energy storage systems (ESS), particularly battery energy storage systems (BESS), this question is asked by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) across the country.
For one-two family dwelling units, BESS are permitted for installation in detached garages/accessory structures, attached garages separated from the dwelling in accordance with International Residential Code® IRC® R302.6 (occupancy separation), and enclosed utility closets, basements, storage or utility spaces with finished or non-combustible walls. The BESS cannot be installed in habitable spaces of dwelling units including sleeping rooms, spaces opening directly into sleeping rooms and closets. If installed on the exterior of a dwelling unit, the ESS must be located at least 3 feet from doors and windows.
For commercial buildings, BESS are permitted for installation in any indoor area of the building, subject to size limitations, enclosure requirements, separation, ventilation, and fire detection and control. There are separate requirements for rooftop, exterior, and parking garage installations. For systems above 600 kWh storage capacity, a dedicated ESS building is typically required. NFPA® 855 is another standard for installation of stationary ESS.
Learn More
- View this recorded webinar to hear a discussion between a California Fire Marshal and an advisor to a DOE national lab on energy storage system safety. Recorded webinar.
- Take a mini-course about the basics of energy storage systems.
- Download a guide to multiple codes related to ESS Guide: Energy Storage Systems: Based on the IBC®, IFC®, IRC® and NEC® hear a discussion between a California Fire Marshal and an advisor to a DOE national lab on energy storage system safety.
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Clean Energy Careers
Clean energy jobs, including energy efficiency, solar, and HVAC/R jobs, are in high demand across the country. Within each industry, there are dozens of high-quality, good-paying jobs and career pathways to choose from. Deciding on one that fits your career goals and interests can be a challenge. With the support of state and federal funds, IREC has created three interactive career maps that showcase the breadth of jobs in the green building and energy efficiency, solar, and HVAC/R industries. These Career Maps showcase over 150 job positions including brief descriptions of the job, recommended credentials and training, salary ranges, and hundreds of possible advancement routes. The Career Maps are free, online resources that educators, career advisors, job seekers, employers, policymakers, and workforce professionals can use to explore the many diverse jobs offered across the growing clean energy industry.
Learn More:
To access these career maps, visit Clean Energy Career Maps. You can also learn more about the Green Buildings Career Map and watch a recorded webinar where IREC explains in detail how to use all of the many features to best suit your goals.
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Bookmark this page and check back frequently. It will be continuously updated and we hope it will become your go-to place to learn about clean energy technologies, how to ensure safe operation of equipment and systems, associated safe work practices, and applicable codes.
Looking for further information about high performance buildings, energy storage, solar, and more? Visit the Clean Energy Clearinghouse for an expanded list of expert resources and CEU’s:
Have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future resources? Contact us at [email protected].
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) in partnership with the International Code Council, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, National Association of State Fire Marshals, Slipstream, FSEC Energy Research Center, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory assembled these resources to provide you with up to date, reliable, vetted information and training related to existing and emerging technologies.