Rob McMonagle, SolarCity Program Manager, Toronto Atmospheric Fund March 31, 2010
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Transcript of Rob McMonagle, SolarCity Program Manager, Toronto Atmospheric Fund March 31, 2010
Rob McMonagle, SolarCity Program Manager, Toronto Atmospheric Fund
March 31, 2010
Inspecting Residential Solar Water Heating Systems
Inspecting Residential Solar Water Heating Systems
Future Events
All webinars run from 1-2:00 p.m. EST
Webinar 1 – Developing a Building Permit Process for Solar Water Heating - Wednesday, March 24
Webinar 2 - Structural Requirements for Installing a Residential Solar Water Heater on a Roof - Friday, March 26
Webinar 3 - Inspecting Residential Solar Water Heating Systems - Wednesday, March 31
Webinar 4 - Permitting of Residential Solar Water Heating Systems - Wednesday, April 14
NOTE: All presentation will be posted on www.solarpermits.ca a few days after the webinar
Solar Permits Overview Developed by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) to share knowledge
gained through the largest single-city solar hot water project in Canada (Solar Neighbourhoods).
TAF is the City of Toronto’s climate agency. TAF supports the development and implementation of leading-edge ideas with the potential for large emission reductions.
TAF is working to support greater deployment of renewable energy in Toronto as a way of helping the City reach its emission reduction targets.
Solar Permits is made possible by an investment by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
Workshop Agenda
1. Introduction to Solar Water Heating
2. Solar Technologies 3. Toronto’s Interest in
Solar 4. Toronto Building’s
Requirements for SDHW 6. Inspection Requirements 7. Installation Issues and
Best Practices 8. Open Discussion
Thank you
Thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Natural Resources Canada for their support of this project
1. An introduction to solar water heating
1. An introduction to solar water heating
Solar Technologies
There are four distinct technologies that collect energy from sunlight– Passive Solar – collects heat and light through
natural (passive) processes– Photovoltaic or PV – produces electricity directly as
a result of the material’s properties– Solar Air – produces hot air for space heating– Solar Water – produces hot water for pools,
industry and residential applications We’re focusing on solar domestic hot water
(SDHW)
Overview
For an overview of solar hot water in Canada and internationally, please see webinar #1.
2. Solar Domestic Hot Water Technologies
2. Solar Domestic Hot Water Technologies
Understanding the Technology Types of systems are broken down in two
areas:– 1. The system type – classified by the type of
freeze protection used: Seasonal – potable water is heated directly – similar
to a conventional water heater Drain Back – water is used as the heat transfer fluid Closed Loop – an anti-freeze heat transfer fluid is use
– 2. The type of solar collector used: Flat plate Evacuated tube
Systems types can use either flat plate or evacuated tube collectors
Year-round Systems
Drain back and closed loop systems
Collectors on the roof – tank in the utility room
Solar Hot Water System Schematic (Simplified)
Photo Credit: NRCan
Seasonal Systems
Tank is on the roof Potable water is heated
directly (and stored in tank)
Drained in winter In some climates a
seasonal system is used year around – however there is no “automatic” freeze protection
Some systems use heat tape to provide limited freeze protection
Solar Collectors
Two types of collectors– Flat plate– Evacuated tube
There is no consensus of what type of collector is better (flat plate or evacuated tube)– Evacuated tube may work better
in marginal light conditions but will not self melt snow cover
– Flat plate is less flexible in sizing and if broken will need to replace a larger part of the system
Solar on the Roof – Roof Conditions
Two roof types– Flat roof– Sloped roof
Two roof structure types– Rafter– Truss (prevalent in homes built after 1990s)
Two system types– Tank on roof (seasonal)– Tank in the utility room (year round)
Solar on Sloped Roofs
Solar Neighbourhoods in an older downtown neighbourhood– Older buildings tend to have structurally stronger roofs
Solar on Flat Roofs
Solar Neighbourhoods in an older downtown neighbourhood– About 30% of installations done on flat roofs
Higher concern of water leakage Increased wind loading Variety of roof covering
Seasonal Systems (tank) on Roof Limited experience with in Solar
Neighbourhoods as no sales of this product were made– However the developed product span table for one
seasonal system is comparable to span tables for systems with just the collector on the roof
– Seasonal systems are about ½ the size of year around systems
3. Toronto’s Interest in Solar3. Toronto’s Interest in Solar
Toronto’s Solar Initiative
Action item from the Climate Change Plan (2007): “develop a pilot residential solar domestic hot water program”
Prior to 2007 30-50 SDHW systems (estimated) were installed in Toronto annually (without building permits)– Austria: 10,000 systems annually for equivalent population base
(2.5 million) The Toronto Solar Neighbourhoods Initiative was developed to identify challenges and support barrier resolutions
Target of 100 system sales in one neighbourhood
Report will be available later this spring
Reason for Interest in SDHW: Climate Change Targets
To stabilize CO2 concentration under 400 pap:
– Global CO2 emissions peak by 2015
– Reduction of Canada’s energy related CO2 emissions from today’s 15.8 Gt/a to approx. 2 Gt/a by 2050
Per capita emissions of approx. 1 t CO2/capita Canada needs a reduction of “4 in 5”
0 5 10 15 20
Africa
India
China
Canada
OECD
World
t CO2/(Kopf, Jahr)
Residential Hot Water’s Role in CO2 Reductions SDHW Systems can provide 0.4 – 0.7 t CO2/year
reduction in Toronto (but more in high carbon energy jurisdictions)– Over system life (20 years) = 8 -15 t CO2
It is the single largest reducer of CO2 that a homeowner can make– Plus it is highly visible (unlike caulking or weather-stripping)Lifetime GHG Reductions
-
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
TorontoElectricity
TorontoNatural Gas
PEI Electricity PEI Oil
C)2
(to
nn
es)
Red
uce
d
Canadian Financial Support for Solar Hot Water is Growing
Support has grown rapidly over the past two years.– In 2008 total was $500
As of March 2010 total is now $2,500 (31% of cost)– Typical support
internationally is 50%
Average SDHW system cost
$8,000
Solar Neighbourhoods incentive (Toronto only – program now over)
-$1,000
Federal ecoENERGY rebate
-$1,250
Ontario Home Energy Savings rebate
-$1,250
Total support for early market transformation
$3,500
Costs after discounts and rebates
$4,500
Costs after incentives financed at 0% over 10 years
$37.50 per month
Where is Solar Neighbourhoods?
Solar Neighbourhoods was a pilot program of the City of Toronto to overcome barriers to early deployment of residential SDHW systems
Ward 30: “Riverdale”– About 15,000 single
family homes– 1 of 44 wards in
Toronto Expanded to 3 other
wards in October 2009 Program is now over –
preparing report to Council
Accomplished – the Highest Density of SDHW Systems Installed in Canada
100 SDHW systems sold– 1 in every 150 homes
(100/15,000)– Prior to program there
were 10 systems in ward (estimated)
If we did this in all of Toronto – 4,400 systems sales
But remember Austria – 1 out of every 7 homes– That level would equal
2,200 installations in the ward!
4. Toronto Building’s Requirements for SDHW Systems
4. Toronto Building’s Requirements for SDHW Systems
The Cost of Regulatory Compliance in Toronto
Item Cost Contractor Time
Certified Plan development $700 - $2,000Done by a P.Eng - Only done once Should be done by manufacturer
?
Building Permit Application (Note reduced requirements under the GEA are only for PV)
$96 2-3 hrs
Roof Structure Report 1 hr
Backflow Preventor (DCAP type)Prior to OBC change in requirements this cost about $300
$25 1 hr
Thermal Expansion Device $25 (TER valve – use instead of an expansion tank @ $125)
Site inspection (with Toronto Building inspector)
2 hrs
Total $150 6-7 hrs
Toronto Process to Regulating SDHW Systems Plan Review
– Compliance to CSA F379– Compliance to Ontario Building Code
Structural Backflow Prevention Other system components
– Site Review (compliance to zoning bylaws) Inspection
– Compliance to CSA F383: Installation of Packaged Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
– Compliance verification to the Ontario Building Code
Toronto Solution: Installations to Codes and Standards
To insure that SDHW installations are installed according to:– The Ontario Building Code – Manufacturer’s Instructions – CSA F383
Toronto Solution: Toronto Building requires that installations by done by CanSIA certified Solar DHW installers or inspected upon completion by a P.eng
Toronto Solution: Development of a commissioning document which complies with CSA F383
– Note – F383 does not provide good guidance to regulators and needs improvement
However – CanSIA certification is not provincially recognized– Work needs to be started to develop a
provincially sanctioned training certificate
CanSIA’s Canadian SHW Installer Certification
Toronto Solution: Certified Plans for SDHW Systems Toronto Solution - Certified Plans
– Stamped engineer drawings and letter stating that the system is in conformance to F379
– Acceptance that this is a “standard product” rather than a one-off site-specific engineered system
– Extensive review by Toronto Building of support documentation Normal charges are waived for the review during the Solar
Neighbourhoods Initiative – normally this would cost in range of $2,000– 7 systems have been issued certified plans
Step 1: Contractor works with a professional engineer– Reviews both mechanical and structural requirements in the OBC
– City of Toronto developed guidelines for this review
Step 2: Contractor submits documentation to Toronto for review Step 3: Toronto Building issues a Certified Plan which is kept on
file Step 4: When contractor submits for a building permit, no plan
review is required
Toronto Solution to Backflow Protection Changes to Ontario Building Code in January 2010
clarified requirements:– Where potable water is used (seasonal system) no
backflow preventer is required– Where a single walled heat exchanger and heat transfer
fluid is relatively harmless, then a DCAP backflow preventer is required
– All others – an RP backflow preventer and an inspection by a certified backflow preventer inspector
As part of the submission to obtain a certified plan contractor must submit:– A letter confirming that the heat transfer fluid is relatively
harmless– The heat transfer fluid’s safety data sheet
The Toronto Solution to Roof Structure City of Toronto’s Building Department has
developed a simple methodology to determine if the roof conditions can withstand the structural loading of the renewable energy project for rafter roofs
Truss roofs require a different solution Step 1: Development of product structural
drawings– Stamped structural drawings
Span Table
– Sample load calculation (for review by Toronto Building)– Letter of conformance by P. eng.
Structural Drawing (example)
SAMPLE
Structural Drawing (example)
SAMPLE
Toronto Solution for Rafters – Solar Roof Report
Roof inspection report is done showing the conditions of the roof at site of proposed solar installation
Last Step
Verify that the solar span table is inside the actual roof conditions
Solar Neighbourhoods Experience
Through Solar Neighbourhoods TAF has evaluated 65 Roof Reports
There are projects that were approaching the max
Only 1 project ran into structural challenges (rafter span greater than required by the solar span table)
– Project was able to proceed by moving the collectors onto the flat roof
– No contractor reported that a sale was lost due to inadequate roof structural conditions – however it appears that some were “pretty close”
Flat Roof % of Max Span
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0 5 10 15 20 25
Sloped Roof % of Max Span
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
5. Inspection Requirements and Process
5. Inspection Requirements and Process
Toronto Building’s Process for Permitting SDHW Systems Toronto Building’s Solar Working
Group has developed a number of forms and documented procedures to facilitate inspection:– SDHW System Report– Solar Roof Structure Report– Solar Backflow Prevention Report
But it’s still a work in progress!
Inspection Bulletin
Covers 3 main areas:– Installation
on the roof– Backflow
prevention– Plumbing
safety
On Site Inspection - Roof
Procedure Comments
1.1 The system has been installed
1.2 The location of the solar collectors is as shown on the roof structure report
To ensure that the rafters have been evaluated at location of collectors
1.3 The slope of the roof is as indicated on the roof structure report
Racks are for flat roof (<16o) or sloped
1.7 Where structural alterations (as required by the permit) have been made, an inspection will be conducted to determine compliance. If the area of work is not accessible or accessibility is limited by H&S policy a report may be requested. The report may be provided by an Architect, P. Eng or a person having a BCIN.
Installing solar collectors is not a structural alteration – only where the roof needs additional support (i.e. blocking) is there a need to evaluate for compliance.
1.8 Fastening and securing of the roof top equipment is not included in the Inspection Service Level, as reliance will be placed on the Certified Installer
Certified Installers are qualified to install the solar collectors
On Site Inspection – Roof Report
Verification that roof conditions meet solar span table requirements is part of plan review
Inspection verifies that location of solar collectors is as shown on drawing– Best Practices: contractors
should be taking pictures of their roof installations
Particularly if not visible from ground
On Site Inspection – Plumbing Safety
Procedure
1.5 A thermal expansion device has been installed downstream of the backflow preventer
Only required when a back flow preventer is installed
1.6 A mixing valve has been installed to limit the hot water to a maximum of 49 degrees C, in accordance with Subsection 7.6.5 of the Ontario Building Code
Normally installed after the back up water tank. Note: some tankless water heaters need a set temperature input and hence the mixing valve is installed between the 2 tanks
On Site Inspection – Backflow Prevention
Procedure Comments
1.4 A backflow prevention device has been installed and the direction of flow is correct
There are 3 levels of backflow protection – none, DCPA or RP; will be on certified plans
2 Confirm the submission of the completed Backflow Prevention Device Test Report and attach it to the permit folder
Only if an RP backflow preventer is required
#3: Review of the Completed SDHW Inspection Report The inspection report is
to verify conformance to F83
There are some additional elements (i.e. regarding structure) added to the inspection report
There is no need to verify items – responsibility rests with the Certified Installer
Comparing F383 Tests to Toronto Building’s Inspection Report There needs to be some significant changes to
F383 section 13: System Tests to make it a valuable tool for commissioning and regulatory inspection
TB Inspection Report F383-08 Section 13
Comments
1. Flow Verification Test Same
2. Pressure Leakage Test Same
3. Freeze Protection Test Same
4. Controller Test Same
5. All plumbing connections to collectors, pumps, heat exchanger and other components have been connected properly
Same as 13.1 a
6. All safety equipment such as temperature and pressure relief valves are present and installed in the correct manner
Same There needs to be testing of the safety equipment
TB Inspection Report F383-08 Section 13
Comments
7 . All pipes are adequately sloped to ensure complete draining of the system
Same
8. The correct amount of insulation is installed and is adequately secured and protected against water damage
Same Need to add animal damage and mechanical damage
9. Structural conditions are as shown in roof report and structural attachments are in accordance with structural drawings and F383
13.1.e Roof penetrations are adequately sealed
This is the only measure linking to structure and mounting on roof
10. Local of solar collectors and or tank are as shown in the structural roof report
See above
11. All wiring meet the Ontario Electric Code and is properly fastened to protect it against mechanical damage
Same
12. All instrumentation and test points are installed properly Same
13.1.h relief valves are plumbed to drains or catch basins
Not in this as its in the Ontario Building Code
13. System controller is properly located and in the automatic position
What purpose does this serve
14. Monitoring equipment is present and operational Missing
15. Manual is complete and on site Missing
16. Operation instructions are complete and on site Missing
6. Installation Issues and Best Practices
6. Installation Issues and Best Practices
Going Beyond Building Permit Inspection Toronto Building inspection is to
verify that the SHDW system is installed according to codes and standards (as related to safety)
Solar Neighbourhoods looks at a wider range of items related to performance and durability
Solar Neighbourhoods Inspection and Commissioning
All systems required to be commissioned by contractor
Form is similar to Toronto Building’s inspection form (it was used as the model)
Each contractor goes through a minimum of 4 system inspection by a Solar Neighbourhoods inspector
Solar Neighbourhoods Inspection Report
This was modeled after a similar report developed by SolarBC – A solar initiative
in BC This is an
extensive 5 page inspection
The intent is to identify best practices – and where they
are not followed provide for corrective action
Solar Neighbourhoods Inspection Repot
Solar Neighbourhoods Inspection Report – Outline of Deficiencies
Solar Neighbourhoods follows up with a Notice of Deficiencies (if required) outlining needed changes to comply with best practices
Some Solar Neighbourhood Learning Outcomes on Best Practices
While there are some “solar professionals” there are a lot of “beginners” to the industry
Utility Room #1
There are a lot of pipes – not always well laid out
Poor labeling of pipes – so hard to trace through (for inspection or trouble shooting)
Utility Room #2
Tempering valves may be a problem – not working?
Valves not labeled Mounting of various balance of
system component (i.e. pumps) not well done
Learning Outcomes
Temperature expansion relief valves can be used instead of an expansion tank – saves $100 on cost of installation
Some tankless water heaters do not work well with solar
Overflow Connection to Drain Overflow pipe run to
drain is an area that needs improvement– Buckets!– Hidden (in wall or
under construction materials)
Pipe Run Through Wall
Area of challenge for contractors– How to ensure pipes are
insulated yet connection maintains weather tightness
Lack of wall sleeves for this application
Some are using unused chimney flues– Issue of pipe support
Pipe Run up Wall #1
Insulation covering – generally good – coverage – downspouts or
ABS drain pipe Connection to wall – some
installations inadequate – attachments <8 ft apart
Pipe Run up Wall #2
Proper pipe brackets not often used
Problems running pipes over roof overhang
Roof Installation #1
Connection of pipes
Connection of rack to roof
Mounting of racks appears to be well covered by contractors
Roof Installation #2
However installation of piping needs better practices– Poor insulation coverage– Poor roof attachment
Animals like to eat the insulation
7. Open Discussion7. Open Discussion
Thank you
Thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Natural Resources Canada for their support of this project
City of TorontoContacts
Rob McMonagle SolarCity Program ManagerToronto Atmospheric Fund
www.SolarPermits.ca
Solar Neighbourhoods Information Line
416-393-6370 www.solarneighbourhoods.ca
Toronto Buildingwww.toronto.ca/building