DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist

The builder is responsible for verifying these requirements. Additional information and table can be found at PV-Ready Checklist.

Pre-Requirements

  • There is no existing PV system AND the home is not served by a community solar system.

  • Zip code has a least 5 kWh/m2/day average solar radiation. Determine this at pvwatts.nrel.gov

  • There is no significant natural shading (ie. trees, tall buildings on the south facing roof).

  • House has minimum free roof area within +/- 45◦ of true south

The minimum roof area that must be with +/- 45 degrees of True South based on conditioned floor area in the house to require the PV-Ready checklist.

Requirements

  • Designate proposed array location and square footage on architectural diagram.

  • Identify orientation of proposed array location.

  • Identify inclination of proposed array location.

  • Provide core-compliant documentation of the maximum allowable dead load and live load ratings of the existing roof.

  • Provide architectural drawing of solar PV system components.

  • Install a 1” metal conduit for the DC wire run from the designated array location to the designated inverter location.

  • Install a 1” metal conduit from designated inverter location to electrical service panel.

  • Install and label a 4’X4’ plywood panel area for mounting an inverter and balance of system components or clearly not area designated in system documentation.

  • Install a 70-amp dual pole circuit breaker in the electrical service panel for use by the PV system.