With the greening of many building codes, “solar readiness” is creeping into the code. What does this mean and what is involved? In speaking with a number of builders, this is not as complicated as it sounds and is most cost-effectively done when the home is being built. It generally adds about $200 – $500 to the cost of a new build and allows for the future use of solar energy. Solar energy may be used to heat water or produce electricity for your household.
As per Natural Resources Canada: Solar Ready is a cost-effective upgrade you can choose for your new home – an upgrade that could help you make big savings in energy costs. Solar energy systems capture the sun’s clean renewable energy, so your home may provide savings for you and a positive environmental impact in the future.
Solar Ready means preparing a home to make future solar installations easy. When you choose the Solar Ready option, your builder will design cost-effective adjustments for your home so you can install solar equipment in the future.
Solar terminology
A solar domestic hot-water system enables use of solar energy to heat water.
A photovoltaic system converts sunlight into electricity.
What does being Solar Ready involve?
A Solar Ready home must meet five basic requirements for the installation of solar energy systems:
- a roof location of suitable size, pitch and orientation
- labelled conduits from the mechanical room to the attic
- extra plumbing valves and fittings on the water heater
- an electrical outlet at the planned solar tank location
- construction plans that indicate the future component locations
For more information on being Solar Ready, we are providing some links which you may find helpful:
- Natural Resources Canada
- CMHC Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
- The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CANSIA)
- SolarBC
- Solar Energy Society of Alberta (SESA)
- Solar Heating Initiative for Today (SHIFT) Saskatchewan
- Manitoba Hydro Solar Water Heating Program (includes video)
- Ontario CANSIA Solar Ready guidelines
It’s basics great.