Solar Energy Code

The Minnesota Solar Energy Code, which dates back to 1977 and is a part of the State Building Code, has a two-fold purpose: 

• First, this chapter establishes standards for the evaluation of the performance, durability, reliability and maintainability of solar energy systems.

• Second, it requires Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) certification, which discloses to each potential buyer about the extent to which the seller's solar energy system meets or exceeds the SRCC Operating Guidelines and Standards found in subpart 4a of this chapter.

Minnesota's Solar Energy Code consists of Operating Guidelines for Certifying Solar Collectors, dated April 1994; Standard Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors, dated April 1994; Operating Guidelines and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Water Heating Systems, dated August 1995; and the amendments contained in Chapter 1325 of the State Building Code.