Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 225 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES › Title 225 CMR 22.00 - Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code 213 For Low-rise Residential › Chapter 5 - [RE] EXISTING BUILDINGS › Section RC105 - SOLAR-ROOF ZONE

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
RC105 Add Section RC105 as follows:
RC105.1
General
. New detached
				one- and two-family dwellings, and townhouses with not less than 600 square
				feet (55.74 m2) of roof area oriented between 110 degrees and 270 degrees of
				true north shall comply with Sections RC105.2 through RC 105.10.
Exception
: A building where all areas of the
				  roof that would otherwise meet the requirements of Section RC105 are in full or
				  partial shade for more than 70% of daylight hours annually.
RC105.2 Construction document requirements
				for solar- zone. Construction documents shall indicate the solar
				zone.
RC105.3
Solar Zone
				Area
. The total solar zone area shall be not less than 300 square feet
				(27.87 m2) exclusive of mandatory access or setback
				areas as required by the MA Fire Code. New townhouses three stories or less in
				height above grade plane and with a total floor area less than or equal to
				2,000 square feet (185.8 m2) per dwelling unit shall
				have a solar zone area of not less than 150 square feet (13.94
				m2). The solar zone shall be composed of areas not
				less than five feet (1524 mm) in width and not less than 80 square feet (7.44
				m2) exclusive of access or setback areas as required
				by the MA Fire Code.
RC105.4
Obstructions
. Solar zones shall be free from obstructions,
				including but not limited to vents, chimneys, and roof-mounted
				equipment.
RC105.5
Shading
. The solar zone shall be set back from any existing or new
				permanently affixed object on the building or site that is located south, east
				or west of the solar zone a distance not less than two times the object's
				height above the nearest point on the roof surface. Such objects include, but
				are not limited to, taller portions of the building itself, parapets, chimneys,
				antennas, signage, rooftop equipment, trees and roof plantings.
RC105.6
Capped Roof Penetration
				Sleeve
. A capped roof penetration sleeve shall be provided adjacent to a
				solar zone located on a roof slope of not greater than one unit vertical in 12
				units horizontal (8% slope). The capped roof penetration sleeve shall be sized
				to accommodate photovoltaic system conduit and shall have an inside diameter of
				not less than 1% inches (32 mm).
RC105.7
Roof Load Documentation
.
				The structural design loads for roof dead load and roof live load shall be
				clearly indicated on the construction documents.
RC105.8
Interconnection Pathway
.
				Construction documents shall indicate pathways for routing of conduit or
				plumbing from the solar-ready zone to the electrical service panel or service
				hot water system.
RC105.9
Electrical Service Reserved Space
. The main electrical service
				panel shall have space to allow installation of a dual pole circuit breaker for
				solar electric installation.
RC105.10
Construction Documentation
				Certificate
. A permanent certificate, indicating the solar PV system
				size in AC and DC KW and or solar thermal size in KW equivalent and other
				requirements of this section, shall be posted near the electrical distribution
				panel, water heater or other conspicuous location by the builder or registered
				design professional.