Appendix NB (RB) Solar-Ready Provisions—Detached One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses

These provisions shall be applicable for new construction where solar-ready provisions are required.

New detached one- and two-family dwellings , and townhouses with not less than 600 square feet (55.74 m²) of roof area oriented between 110 degrees and 270 degrees of true north, shall comply with Sections NB103.2 through NB103.10.

Construction documents shall indicate the solar-ready zone.

The total solar-ready zone area shall be not less than 300 square feet (27.87 m²) exclusive of mandatory access or setback areas as required by the International Fire Code. New townhouses three stories or less in height above grade plane and with a total floor area less than or equal to 2,000 square feet (185.8 m²) per dwelling shall have a solar-ready zone area of not less than 150 square feet (13.94 m²). The solar-ready zone shall be composed of areas not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in width and not less than 80 square feet (7.44 m²) exclusive of access or setback areas as required by the International Fire Code.

Solar-ready zones shall be free from obstructions, including but not limited to vents, chimneys, and roof-mounted equipment.

The solar-ready zone shall be set back from any existing or new, permanently affixed object on the building or site that is located south, east or west of the solar zone a distance not less than two times the object’s height above the nearest point on the roof surface. Such objects include, but are not limited to, taller portions of the building itself, parapets, chimneys, antennas, signage, rooftop equipment, trees and roof plantings.

A capped roof penetration sleeve shall be provided adjacent to a solar-ready zone located on a roof slope of not greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8 percent slope). The capped roof penetration sleeve shall be sized to accommodate the future photovoltaic system conduit, but shall have an inside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm).

The structural design loads for roof dead load and roof live load shall be clearly indicated on the construction documents.

Construction documents shall indicate pathways for routing of conduit or plumbing from the solar-ready zone to the electrical service panel or service hot water system.

The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow installation of a dual pole circuit breaker for future solar electric installation and shall be labeled “For Future Solar Electric.” The reserved space shall be positioned at the opposite (load) end from the input feeder location or main circuit location.

A permanent certificate, indicating the solar-ready zone and other requirements of this section, shall be posted near the electrical distribution panel, water heater or other conspicuous location by the builder or registered design professional.