Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources, such as the sun, wind, water and geothermal heat. Many view renewable-energy systems as the solution to offsetting rising energy costs and becoming "green."
The most common renewable-energy systems a roofing contractor encounters are rooftop solar energy systems, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heating (SWH) systems, also known as solar thermal heating systems.
Roofing companies throughout the U.S. are contemplating whether they should incorporate rooftop solar energy system installations into their business offerings. Interested contractors must be familiar with information specific to solar energy systems, as well as unique issues that may affect their installations, such as licensing, code compliance and NRCA guidelines.
Incentive programs
Government entities and utility companies encourage renewable-energy system installations by offering financial incentives. Roofing contractors should be aware of these programs so they can help customers decide whether a solar energy system is a good choice for them. Following is a brief summary of some incentives.
Federal incentives
Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a federal tax credit is available primarily for homeowners who install PV and SWH systems. Originally, the tax credit was limited to $2,000. In 2008, revisions extended the deadline and removed the $2,000 limit.
Simply put, an individual taxpayer may claim 30 percent of qualified expenditures as a tax credit. Qualified expenditures include labor costs for site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and the piping and/or wiring used to connect a system to a residence. Systems must be in place before Dec. 31, 2016, to qualify for the tax credit. Residences that incorporate these systems do not have to be taxpayers' primary residences.
Regarding SWH systems, there are some caveats. The equipment must be certified for performance by the Solar Rating & Certification Corp. or a comparable entity endorsed by the government or state in which the residence is located. Also, at least 50 percent of energy used to heat the residence's water must be from the SWH system. The tax credit does not apply to systems that heat swimming pools and hot tubs.
For commercial or industrial building owners, a 30 percent corporate tax credit is available if an eligible system is in place on or before Dec. 31, 2016, and as with the tax credit for homeowners, there is no limit. Eligible systems include equipment that uses solar energy to generate electricity to heat or cool a building. Hybrid solar lighting systems, which illuminate using fiber optic distributed sunlight, also are eligible. Passive solar energy systems (which use mechanical or electrical devices) and solar pool heating systems are not eligible.
An energy-efficient mortgage (EEM) is another federal government incentive. There are two organizations that insure EEMs: the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The FHA EEM loan program helps low- to middle-income families interested in adding energy-efficient features to their homes and eliminates their need to take an additional loan. Eligible borrowers must meet the income requirements set by FHA (see FHA's Mortgage Insurance Program, Section 203[b]) and be able to make the monthly mortgage payments. Improvements may be included in a mortgage if the total cost is less than the total value of energy saved during the useful life. The cost of the improvements that may be eligible for financing as part of a mortgage is either 5 percent of the property's value (not to exceed $8,000) or $4,000—whichever is greater.
It is important to note each state has different FHA loan limits. Visit www.fha.com/lending_limits.cfm to find each state's limits.
There are EEMs available for veterans through the VA. Veterans can combine their VA home loans with EEMs and possibly get negotiable interest rates. In addition, qualified veterans can acquire VA loans and EEMs for no money down. It may be difficult to locate a lender that offers a VA EEM because the lender must participate in the VA Home Loan program. The maximum amount for this type of EEM is $3,000 with documentation and up to $6,000 if the projected savings are greater than the increase in mortgage payments.
For FHA and VA programs, improvement costs and energy savings estimates must be determined by an energy consultant using a Home Energy Rating System, a tool developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and used to perform an energy audit. RESNET was founded to develop a national market for Home Energy Rating Systems and EEMs.
State incentives
There are various incentive programs at the state level. Incentives include personal and corporate tax credits; sales and property taxes; and grant, loan, bond and rebate programs. Parameters for each program vary, so you should visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), which provides information regarding state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. DSIRE's website, www.dsireusa.org, has an interactive map that allows you to click on a state and access the state's specific information.
According to DSIRE, 23 states offer personal and/or corporate tax credits, with a majority of the states offering both.
For example, Georgia offers a Clean Energy Tax Credit for residential and commercial properties. A 35 percent tax credit on the cost of the equipment and installation is available until Dec. 31, 2012. For residences, there is a limit of $2,500 for SWH systems and $10,500 for PV systems. For commercial properties, the cap is $100,000 for SWH systems and $500,000 for PV systems.
Wisconsin offers sales and property tax exemptions for renewable-energy systems. An eligible solar energy system that produces at least 200 kilowatt-hours of power is 100 percent exempt from the state's sales and use tax. This exemption applies to all sectors—commercial, industrial and consumers. A property tax incentive also is available. Any value added by a solar energy system is exempt from general property tax. Property owners must file a request with their local assessors; the exemption amount varies.
Grants are a monetary award for financial assistance—usually from a government agency—given to a recipient to carry out work for a charitable public purpose or the public good. Grants for renewable-energy systems are available in a limited number of states. Connecticut started a Commercial Solar Photovoltaic program using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Maine has a Renewable Resources Fund that provides grant money for small-scale community projects that educate the community regarding the value and cost-effectiveness of creating clean electricity. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corp. offers grants for renewable-energy projects that directly benefit Rhode Island.
State-funded loans for renewable-energy systems are available in 34 states. Many of the loans are low-interest and typically must be paid back within the equipment's expected life. Refer to DSIRE to see loans available for your state.
Finally, there also are rebate programs. A rebate is a partial refund after a purchase. Many rebates are given through public utility companies, but there are some state and/or local programs. Rebate programs for SWH systems seem to be the most prevalent. To see what is available in your area, refer to DSIRE and/or local and state websites for more information.
Incentives are available either for a period of time or until a specific allotment of money is gone. Generally, there is a first-come, first-serve reality to state and local incentives.
Licensing and certification
Installing a rooftop solar energy system on a roof assembly involves various trades—roofing, electrical and plumbing—and requires considerable coordination. In addition, solar energy systems are unique and require special knowledge and training. The challenge is to find ways to ensure safe, quality solar energy system installations.
Two approaches address this challenge—licensing and certification programs. Licensing programs are regulated by state governments and considered mandatory. Certification programs are voluntary and generally are created or sponsored by professional associations or trade organizations interested in raising standards.
When it comes to solar energy systems, various scenarios currently exist with licensure and certification programs.
The most common approach is not having a specific provision other than requiring an electrician's license to install PV systems or plumber's license to install solar thermal systems. As previously mentioned, licensing requirements typically are regulated by state governments but may be mandated at local levels.
Several states have created a specific solar license. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council's (IREC's) website is a good place to start looking for states that offer solar licensing information. IREC, with the support of the Department of Energy (DOE), created a solar licensing database as a resource for installers, policymakers, consumers or anyone else interested in locating solar licensing requirement information.
IREC also offers some certification information. According to IREC, 14 states have established a solar license classification and, in many cases, it is a subclassification of electrical or plumbing licenses. California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii and Utah have specific solar licenses applicable to PV system and SWH system installations. States such as Louisiana, Nevada, Tennessee and Virginia offer subclassifications or specialty certificates.
Certification programs are another method used to regulate solar energy system installation. Certification typically requires hands-on experience and passing a written exam. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) Inc. each offer a certification program primarily addressing electrical requirements for PV systems.
NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable-energy stakeholders that includes solar industry representatives, NABCEP certificate holders, renewable-energy organizations, state policymakers, educational institutions and trade groups. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners. NABCEP offers certificates for PV systems and SWH systems and requires training, experience and testing. The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the person responsible for the system installation, such as a contractor, foreman, supervisor or journeyman.
NABCEP issues Solar PV Job Task Analysis and Solar Thermal Task Analysis documents that contain detailed lists of the skills and abilities PV system or SWH system installers should have. According to NABCEP, these documents are the certification programs' core documents. Copies of these documents can be downloaded from NABCEP's website, www.nabcep.org.
UL is a global independent safety science company that offers customized training solutions through its UL University Training Center. UL only offers a PV system installers certificate program. Individuals must be qualified electricians, complete the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) 30-Hour Construction Training program and pass a written exam. UL offers a study guide that can be downloaded from its website, www.ul.com.
It is important to note NABCEP and UL's PV certification programs focus only on installing PV panels (arrays) and electrical components PV systems comprise. These programs do not address PV systems' relationship to roof systems, such as attaching flashing detail to a roof system.
To address this need, the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing and NRCA founded Roof Integrated Solar Energy™ (RISE™) Inc. RISE evaluates and certifies solar energy installers for knowledge regarding critical roof construction and maintenance practices necessary to support successful rooftop solar energy installations based on principles regarding the installation and maintenance of rooftop solar energy systems without adversely affecting roof system performance and service life.
RISE certification is a voluntary certification for professionals who plan and oversee rooftop PV system installations. The credential evaluates whether candidates have the underlying knowledge required to successfully install roof-mounted PV systems to demonstrate they recognize the importance of the roof system and PV system for a building's value and uninterrupted use.
Candidates must have appropriate experience and pass a written exam. Individuals who meet these requirements become Certified Solar Roofing Professionals™ (CSRPs™). RISE offers a study guide and RISE CSRP Job Task Analysis to help candidates. If you are inter-ested in RISE and CSRP certification, visit www.riseprofessional.org for more information.
Codes and standards
The 2009 edition of the International Codes (I-Codes) addresses SWH systems in two locations. For construction that falls under the scope of the International Residential Code (IRC), SWH system requirements are contained in Chapter 23—Solar Systems and referred to as "solar energy collectors." For construction that falls under the scope of the International Building Code (IBC), SWH systems are considered mechanical systems and are addressed in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) in Chapter 12—Solar Systems.
IBC Chapter 23 and IMC Chapter 12 address the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equipment and appliances intended to use solar energy for space heating or cooling, domestic hot water heating, swimming pool heating or process heating systems. Both chapters also state roof-mounted solar energy collectors that serve as roof coverings shall conform to requirements for roof coverings. If they are mounted on or above roof coverings, the collectors and supporting structure shall be made with noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood equivalent to that required for the roof construction.
The 2009 I-Codes do not directly address PV systems; however, in 2012, IBC (as well as the International Fire Code) will contain PV-specific information in Chapter 15—Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. In the meantime, the roofing industry has some concerns with rooftop PV systems related to code compliance issues such as wind and fire resistance.
PV systems installed on rooftops are susceptible to wind uplift and possible displacement. NRCA recommends rack-mounted PV systems be supported by support stands or curbs fastened to the structural members. NRCA also recommends rack-mounted PV systems have the same uplift resistance as the roof systems upon which they are installed.
Fire-resistance requirements are addressed in ANSI/UL 1703, "Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels." ANSI/UL 1703 provides specific requirements for PV module and panel product construction, performance, testing, rating and marking. ANSI/UL 1703 also contains UL 790, "Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings," which is used to determine roof systems' fire resistance. UL 790 addresses the fire-resistance performance of roof coverings exposed to simulated fire sources originating from outside a building on which the coverings are installed. There are three classifications for designating their resistances to external fire exposure: Class A roof assemblies are effective against severe fire exposure; Class B roof assemblies are effective against moderate fire exposure; and Class C roof assemblies are effective against light fire exposure.
NRCA and other organizations in the codes and standards community are concerned a roof system's fire classification effectively may be altered by adding a PV system.
PV systems also are required to comply with applicable electrical codes. Most electrical systems are governed by the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70: National Electric Code (NEC). State or local laws for U.S. jurisdictions commonly mandate compliance with NEC, which addresses PV installations in Chapter 6-Special Equipment, Article 690, "Solar Photovoltaic Systems." The requirements are for stand-alone and utility-interactive PV systems.
Other considerations
Installing a PV system over an existing roof system without written authorization from the roof system manufacturer could void the manufacturer's warranty. Installers should review the roof system warranty's provisions with the owner(s) and PV system supplier(s) and consult the roof system manufacturer to verify a PV system installation's effects on roof warranty coverage.
You should consider the service life of a rooftop PV system and roof system; ideally, they should have similar life expectancies. NRCA suggests building owners have new, properly insulated roof systems installed when roof-mounted PV systems are installed. If a new roof system is not installed, NRCA recommends a roof-mounted PV system be installed only with an existing roof system with an equivalent service life or provisions be made during design that allow minimum disturbance to PV panels and electrical output during reroofing.
Details
The most common question NRCA's technical services department receives regarding this topic is: "What are NRCA's recommendations for the attachment of a PV system?"
NRCA recommends rack-mounted PV systems over low-slope roof systems be supported by support stands or curbs fastened to the structural members and properly flashed through the roof system. Support stands should be round or square tubes to facilitate effective flashing methods. In steep-slope roof systems, support stands should have a flanged base or be used with a prefabricated base plate. Support stands should be flashed similar to a pipe penetration.
For additional NRCA guidelines, refer to NRCA's Guidelines for Roof-mounted Photovoltaic System Installations and Building Owners Guide to Roof-mounted Photovoltaic Systems. Copies can be purchased through NRCA's Bookstore at shop.nrca.net. These documents also contain pre-installation considerations and address low- and steep-slope PV installations. It is important to note these documents may be more conservative than practices employed by some designers, manufacturers and installers.
NRCA does not provide any guidelines addressing SWH systems, but the same principles would apply: SWH systems should be supported by support stands or curbs, and you should use proper flashing methods.
In closing
There are myriad issues to consider when incorporating roof-mounted solar energy systems, and I've only addressed a few of them. Keep in mind the information I present is current at press time, so if you decide to incorporate solar energy system installations into your business, I encourage you to do your homework first.
Joan P. Crowe, AIA, is an NRCA director of technical services.
Online sources for solar energy information
Following is a list of links that can help you learn more about solar energy systems:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
www.dsireusa.org
Internal Revenue Service
Residential: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=237190,00.html
Commercial: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=209564,00.html
Federal Housing Authority Energy Efficient Mortgages
portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/eem/eemhome
portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/sfh203b
Department of Veterans Administration
www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap05.asp
Residential Energy Services Network
www.resnet.us
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
irecusa.org/2010/08/solar-licensing-information
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
www.nabcep.org
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
www.ul.com
International Code Council
www.iccsafe.org/store/pages/category.aspx?cat=iccsafe&category=1170&parentcategory=store products
American Society of Civil Engineers
www.asce.org
ASTM International
www.astm.org
National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/aboutthecodes.asp?docnum=70
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