ICC-SRCC Solar Product Certification Qualifies Systems for Federal, State Financial Incentives

Federal energy homeowner tax credits, ENERGY STAR listings, solar programs in New York and Minnesota require Solar Rating & Certification Corporation product certification

There is great news for manufacturers that already have solar products certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) to qualify for federal tax credits and ENERGY STAR program listings. New and expanded financial incentives in New York and Minnesota also require products to be certified by ICC-SRCC.

“The new programs demonstrate the value of Solar Rating & Certification Corporation certification for states and municipalities seeking to promote the use of solar technology,” said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Programs requiring ICC-SRCC certification increase the value of our current certification holders’ products. We encourage manufacturers that do not have ICC-SRCC certification to consider it to ensure their products qualify for financial incentives and to expand their markets.”

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) broadened its Solar Hot Water Program. The changes are expected to increase the number of households and businesses that choose to install solar hot water systems. In announcing new funding guidelines for the program NYSERDA specified: To qualify, equipment must be certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation.

The state of Minnesota Department of Commerce offers solar thermal rebates for the installation of Made in Minnesota solar thermal if components of the system are manufactured in Minnesota and the solar thermal system is certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation.

These latest state incentives join dozens of existing programs that specify equipment certified by ICC-SRCC. At the federal level, the IRS indicates that federal residential tax credits for solar energy systems require ICC-SRCC product certification: The system must be certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed.

The federal ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Water Heaters references and requires the use of solar type units which have received an OG-300 rating from the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation.

Solar hot water systems can provide approximately 50 to 80 percent of a homeowner’s hot water. They can also be a good choice for commercial installations, especially for businesses that heat large amounts of water such as hospitals, dialysis centers, farms, hotels, motels, inns, restaurants, laundries and car washes.

About us: The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. The Solar Ratings Certification Corporation, the newest member of the ICC Family of Companies, is an independent third-party certification entity. It is the only national certification program established solely for solar thermal products.