How solar energy helps save money — and the future
Solar training for designers and code enforcement professionals is available at the ICC Annual Conference
The U.S. solar energy market is booming and demand for solar is at an all-time high. Design professionals play a crucial role in advancing the deployment of solar photovoltaics (PV), while code officials have the equally critical role of ensuring safe solar system installation. As more individuals and businesses go solar, a new training course is helping building designers and code enforcement staff to add solar expertise to their list of qualifications.
“Solar Training for Designers and Code Enforcement Professionals” will be offered Sept. 12 by ICC Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) Director of Technical Services Shawn Martin during the ICC Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Course development has been underwritten by the U.S Department of Energy SunShot Initiative’s Solar Training and Education for Professionals program, and the training is being led by ICC-SRCC and the Building Codes Assistance Project. Supporting partners include the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and the International Renewable Energy Council.
Designers will learn — for both new construction and remodels — critical design considerations for successful architectural integration of solar PV into plans, how to speak with clients about the benefits of solar PV, where to find information on the financial incentives available for solar PV, and an introduction to requirements related to grid interconnection and building codes.
Code officials, plan reviewers, solar installers and design professionals will gain an overview of permitting practices for solar PV systems in jurisdictions throughout the U.S., and get resources for best practices in permitting of these systems. The Sept. 12 training will also cover the type and location of code provisions impacting solar PV installations in the 2015 International Codes and the International Solar Energy Provisions.
About the Author
The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions, including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
