Building codes as barriers to solar heating and cooling of buildings
This paper discusses the application of building codes to solar energy systems for heating and cooling of buildings, using the Basic, the Uniform, and the Standard building codes as representative of those most widely adopted by states and localities. Some potential barriers to solar energy systems are found; federal and state programs to deal with these barriers are discussed and alternatives are suggested. Provisions for testing and approval, applicable because the codes do not explicitly provide for solar systems, may require elaborate showings by building permit applicants. These showings, due to building officials' discretion, may vary widely with time and place. Varying requirements could make solar systems less competitive than conventional systems due to the uncertainty, delay, expense, and fragmentation of potential national markets, amounting to an unreasonable burden on interstate commerce. This calls for nationally recognized standards and certification of equipment for ready code approval, like those for conventional heating and cooling systems. In addition, various specific code provisions pose problems for some solar designs; the building codes should be revised to remove specific impediments and/or to exempt solar systems from such requirements provided they are not required for safety, health, or structural strength. To remedy this, a federal program is needed to encourage state adoption of standards and acceptance of certification of solar systems for code approval, and to encourage revisions to codes based on model legislation prepared for the federal government by the model codes groups.
- OSTI ID:
- 6357556
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
BUILDING CODES
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
STANDARDIZATION
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
STANDARDS
STATE GOVERNMENT
HEATING SYSTEMS
LICENSES
140400* - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects
140901 - Solar Thermal Utilization- Space Heating & Cooling
299001 - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)