To build homes that are solar-ready, battery-ready, and EV-ready, it’s essential to integrate specific design requirements from the outset. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure the home you’re building is prepared for these energy-efficient technologies and how to receive the associated cash incentives available through the Energy Trust of Oregon.
1. Solar-Ready Features – $200 from Energy Trust of Oregon
- Orientation and Roof Design: Position the house to maximize sunlight exposure, ideally with a large obstruction-free roof plane facing south. Ensure the roof has a minimum of a 2:12 pitch and is made from materials compatible with solar installations. Standing seam metal or comp roofs are best.
- Roof Area: A minimum of 200 sq ft area free from obstructions must be provided on the roof for the solar array. A drawing of this area must be included on the plan set, along with the location of the pre-installed conduit. Be sure to comply with setback requirements from eaves or peaks, as required by Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) for firefighter access and egress pathways. Feel free to reach out to Power Northwest for guidance on fire setbacks which meet code requirements.
- Roof Structure: Design the roof to support the weight of solar panels. You can easily do this by using engineered trusses or following the structural prescriptive method (link to new article).
- Electric Service Panel: Install a 200amp main electrical panel with a space reserved for a 2-pole breaker which is located on the opposite end of the panel from the main service disconnect. Label the space, “Reserved for solar”. Then place a label on the panel that, “This Home is solar ready.”
- Reserved Wall Space: Dedicate a 36” x 36” area near the electrical panel for the solar inverter and disconnect.
- Pre-Wiring for Solar: Include a ¾” nonflexible metal conduit (this is the minimum requirement, 1” conduit is preferred) from the area reserved for the solar inverter to the attic underneath the roof where the solar would be located. Each end of the metal conduit needs to be terminated in 4” x 4” metal box with a metal cover labeled “Reserved for solar”. Near the panel, the box must be mounted 36” off the finished floor. In the attic, the box must be accessible (below the roof, above insulation) or located on the roof near the solar array. The conduit must include a pull string.
2. Solar and Storage Ready Features – $200 from Energy Trust of Oregon
In addition to the above Solar Ready requirements, a storage ready house must meet the additional below requirements:
Protected Loads Subpanel
A subpanel, fed from a breaker located on the opposite end from the main service feeder on the main electrical panel, must be provided near the main electrical panel. This panel will house the essential loads for the house which will be backed up by the energy storage system. In this panel, (2) double pole spaces on the opposite end of the main service feeder must be reserved for a 40-amp double pole breaker labeled “Reserved for Solar” and a 50-amp double pole breaker labeled “Reserved for Storage”. Place a label on the subpanel that reads, “This home is Solar + Storage Ready”.
In addition to the reserved breaker space for storage and solar, the protected loads subpanel will include, at a minimum, the following circuits:
- Lighting circuits for the primary living area
- Outlet circuits for the primary living area
- Lighting circuits for the kitchen
- Outlet circuits for the kitchen including the circuit intended for the refrigerator
- Do not include on the subpanel any dedicated circuits for electric range, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and/or microwave
Reserved Wall Space
Dedicate a 48” x 72” area next to the protected loads subpanel for the solar and battery equipment. If located outside, this area must be protected from sun exposure.
Pre-Wiring for Batteries
Include a 1” or larger flexible or nonflexible metal conduit from the bottom of the protected loads subpanel to a 4” x 4” recessed metal box with a metal cover clearly labeled “Reserved for Storage”. The box should be located in or near the Reserved Wall Space for the solar and battery equipment.
3. EV-Ready Features – $200 from Energy Trust of Oregon
- Dedicated Breaker: Install one 240v, 50 amp dedicated double pole breaker, located at the opposite end of the panel from the main service feeder, and labeled “Reserved for EV Charger”. Label the electrical panel “This home is EV Ready”.
- EV Outlet: The branch circuit must terminate at a NEMA 14-50 outlet that is installed in a 4” x 4” recessed metal box mounted 36” above the finished floor. The box must be labeled “Reserved for EV Charger”. For exterior installations, the outlet and the box must be outdoor rated.
- Reserved Wall Space: Leave 36” above, 24” to either side, and 24” in front of the outlet unobstructed to allow for the future installation of a wall-mounted charger.
- Outlet Location: Locate the outlet such that a connection can be made between the location of the outlet and a vehicle with a maximum 24’ length cord.
Building homes that are solar-ready, battery-ready, and EV-ready involves thoughtful planning and infrastructure considerations. By incorporating these features, homeowners can ensure their properties are equipped for the future, promoting sustainability and energy independence. Consulting with experts during the design phase can further optimize the integration of these technologies. In fact, the Energy Trust of Oregon will even pay you $500 to involve Power Northwest in an Early Design Assistance meeting.
Early Design Assistance – $500 from Energy Trust of Oregon
Early Design Assistance is a meeting that takes place in the design phase or early in construction to discuss options for the project to maximize efficiency and incentives. A $500 incentive is paid just for having the meeting with a solar consultant present. If you’re looking to earn that $500, please reach out to us today so that we can help!
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