Operation of the Florida Standards Program for Solar Domestic Water and Pool Heating Systems
Florida Solar Energy Center
FSEC-GP-8-80
January 2001
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction & Purpose
1.1 Legislative Background
1.2 Implementation
1.3 Purpose and Scope
1.4 Definition of Terms
2.0 Requirements for Approval
2.1 Component Approval
2.2 Manual Approval
2.3 System Definition
2.4 System Approval
2.5 Performance Rating
3.0 Standards Administration
3.1 Application for Certification
3.2 Display of System Approval
3.3 Denial of Certification
3.4 Systems Sold by Licensee
3.5 Revocation of Certification
4.0 Fee Schedule
4.1 Classification of Systems
4.2 Fees
5.0 Requirements for Inspection
System Approval Application Documents
The Solar Energy Standards Act of 1976, Section 377.705. Florida Statutes, directs the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to develop and promulgate standards for solar energy systems manufactured or sold in the state; to establish criteria for testing performance of solar energy systems; and to maintain the necessary capability for testing or evaluating performance of solar energy systems.
In 1978 the Legislature amended the act to require, effective January 1, 1980, that all solar energy systems manufactured or sold in the state meet the standards established by FSEC and display accepted results of approved performance tests in a manner prescribed by FSEC.
FSEC's solar collector certification program, begun in October 1976, provides a standard test method, minimum quality standard, and a performance rating method for solar collectors. To expand the program coverage, standard have been written which address testing, rating, design, and installation of total systems that use solar energy to heat domestic water and swimming pools.
Under this program, major system components must be approved by FSEC. The contents of the manufacturer's manual delivered with the system must also be approved by FSEC. Local building inspectors will verify compliance of the system's installation with the standards.
Systems not yet covered by standards - for example, solar air conditioning or photovoltaic electric power systems - will be evaluated and considered for approval by FSEC as the need arises and at the request of the buyer, the seller, or the building official having jurisdiction.
This document describes the operation of the Florida standards program - how approvals are obtained for components and manuals, how solar water heating (SWH) and pool heating (PH) systems are certified, how system performance is rated, and how approvals and ratings shall be displayed and used.
All systems must comply with FSEC standards whether they are leased or sold, assembled or in a kit. Requirements for approval of components and manuals may be waived for an owner-designed and -constructed system. Such systems must still meet safety and health requirements of applicable FSEC standards and local codes.
The terms defined below have the given meaning in this document.
Approved (component): Evaluated on the basis of manufacturer's data and application information and considered by FSEC to be suitable for use in solar energy systems in Florida. Tests are required for some components and limitations on suitable uses may be stated.
Building Official: The official authorized to act in behalf of the responsible government agency for the local enforcement of codes.
FSEC: The Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida 32922-5703.
Manual: The total documentation package to be provided by the seller to the purchaser which describes the general operation and maintenance procedures for the system. The manual will include a parts list, a system diagram, a description of major components, and other features required by the standards document.
Major Component: Collector, storage tank, controller, pump, heat exchanger or their functional equivalent.
Owner: The person, group or organization who contracts to lease or buy the solar energy system.
PH System: A system that heats a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or similar device and derives at least part of its thermal energy from incident solar energy through a collector external to the device.
Seller: The solar equipment manufacturer or dealer who requests approval of components or a system.
Standards Document: FSEC's "Florida Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Solar Domestic Water and Pool Heating Systems." FSEC-GP-7-80.
SWH System: Domestic hot water system deriving at least part of its thermal energy from incident solar energy. This definition includes pumped and thermosiphon systems and systems in which collector and storage are integral ("ICS" systems, for example).
Approval of major components not already approved by FSEC may be requested by the seller. For FSEC evaluation, the following information must be submitted to FSEC Systems Approval Office, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida 32922-5703.
1. Collectors
Collector certification is handled by the Testing and Operations Division of FSEC according to the procedures and requirements in FSEC collector standards and certification documents GP-5-80 and GP-6-80, or subsequently approved FSEC collector certification documents.
2. Controllers
Manufacturer's name and address.
Model number.
Descriptive brochure including specifications and application information.
Reports on safety or other certification tests, if available.
Operating temperature differences and tolerances, and environmental temperature limitations.
Statement by the manufacturer or by an independent laboratory that the unit meets all applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code.
3. Storage tanks
Manufacturer's name and address.
Model number.
Descriptive brochure including specifications and application information.
Dimensions and construction of integral heat exchanger if one is used.
UL listed file number (where applicable).
4. Pumps
Manufacturer's name and address.
Model number.
Descriptive brochure including specifications and application number.
Materials of pump body and impeller in contact with the pumped fluid.
UL approved file number.
Maintenance requirements.
Description of overload protection (must be protected by overcurrent or overtemperature device or by impedance of windings according to the National Electrical Code).
Limitations on fluids used.
5. Heat exchanger
Manufacturer's name and address.
Model number.
Descriptive brochure including specifications and applications information.
Materials in contact with heat transfer fluids on both sides of the heat exchanger.
6. Systems
System test report, if applicable as defined in Section 2.2 of the FSEC System document FSEC-GP-7-80.
Collector, controller, storage tank, pumps and heat exchanger requirements as outlined above must also be met.
Two copies of the system manual must be submitted to FSEC for approval. The manual may describe more than one system by presenting detailed information on one model and explaining the differences between it and other related models.
The manual must describe the operation of the system and the function of each component, but detailed description of major components may be treated by including the appropriate manufacturer's brochure on each.
Identification in the manual of major components by manufacturer and model number does not preclude the substitution of suitable approved alternate component if manufacturer's information on it is provided to the buyer and the substitution is approved by FSEC.
The manual must include:
1. Seller's name, address and system model number.
2. Explanation to the buyer of the requirements for operation and maintenance.
3. Procedures for startup, shutdown, collector draining and any special emergency procedures and safety precautions.
4. Descriptions of major components.
5. System diagram.
6. Parts list and the name and address of a company offering service on the system.
For purposes of approval and the assignment of an FSEC system identification file number, a distinct system is defined by:
1. Manufacturer's model name or number for the system.
2. Collector or system performance rating, cumulative for all collectors in the system, or performance rating per square foot of collector for pool heating system.
3. Storage tank volumetric capacity.
4. Method of heat transfer to tank: direct or through a heat exchanger.
5. System diagram showing components and their interconnection.
6. Controller type: differential temperature, timer, absolute temperature (snap switch), photovoltaic, etc.
A system will be approved on the basis of:
a. Collector specified by manufacturer's name and model number and the number of units used in the system. As many as two additional alternate collector combinations may be specified, but the lowest-rated collector or collector combination must have a rating that is at least 75 percent of the rating for the highest-rated collector or collector combination.
b. Specified tank(s) and no more than three alternate tank(s) of the same type and having the same volumetric capacity.
c. Specified pump and no more than three alternates.
d. Specified controller and no more than three alternates. All controllers must be of the same operational type.
e. System diagram showing the components and their arrangement in a plumbed system.
Change in any of items a. through e. constitutes a change in the system, which must be approved by FSEC. See Section 4.0, FEE SCHEDULE, for an explanation of the way different changes will be treated administratively.
The seller shall furnish to the owner in writing an estimate of daily rating of the solar system. This estimate of daily rating is intended for use in comparing solar systems, and may not accurately predict the performance of a system installed at a specific site. System thermal performance is based upon and uses the QNET system rating or the FSEC collector rating as follows:
2.5.1 Domestic hot water systems
For solar systems that have been tested and rated based on ASHRAE 95-81 and SRCC 200-82, the QNET rating value will be used as the system rating value. For solar systems only tested at FSEC, an equivalent QNET will be calculated by FSEC and will be used as the system rating value.
For solar systems which have only had solar collector tests, the system rating value will be calculated as the FSEC Collector Intermediate Temperature Rating.
2.5.2 Pool heating systems
The pool system will be the FSEC Low Temperature Rating of the collector.
Included with the statement of system performance rating will be the following statement:
"Specified system performance is an estimate only and is not guaranteed. It is based on collector test results, typical water usage, and typical Florida climatic conditions. Actual solar contribution can vary and is dependent on the weather, the user, and proper system installation and maintenance."
3.1 Application for Certification
The seller will initiate the certification process by filing a completed application form for certification of solar water heating or pool heating systems with FSEC and paying the applicable fee. A separate application shall be submitted for each different system configuration and each different system size. Application forms may be obtained from FSEC Systems Approval Office, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida 32922-5703.
Manuals, system diagrams, and components data submitted for approval will be evaluated against the requirements of FSEC-GP-7-80, and when the approval is completed the seller will receive a System Approval Certificate and a list of conditions for maintaining the approval.
3.2 Display of System Approval
The installer must furnish to the building official as required a copy of the System Approval Certificate listing approved major components and alternates.
On each approved manual there shall be pasted or printed a label stating:
"The solar energy system described by this manual, when properly installed and maintained, meets the minimum standards established by the Florida Solar Energy Center in accordance with Section 377.705, Florida Statutes. This certification does not imply endorsement or warranty of this product by the Florida Solar Energy Center or the state of Florida."
Lists of approved components and approved systems will be maintained by FSEC. Updates will be made approximately semiannually after the standards program is in operation. To verify the approval of a component or a system, a building official may write to or telephone FSEC.
FSEC will correspond with manufacturers annually or biannually to determine if each system manual and the description of each listed component is still accurate and if the product is still being marketed.
If FSEC determines that the applicant does not satisfy all the criteria of certification, FSEC shall give the applicant written notice containing a statement of all reasons for denying certification. An applicant aggrieved by the FSEC decision may file a written request for review with FSEC. The FSEC Director shall appoint a Certification Review Board which will reconsider the information on file. The FSEC Systems Approval Office shall, based upon the recommendation of the Certification Review Board, affirm, modify or reverse the initial decision and shall so inform the applicant of the review board's recommendations.
An SWH system certified by FSEC that is also fabricated and sold by another manufacturer who is a licensee of the first will be certified upon (1) application by the licensee (2) verification by FSEC that the system is identical in components and configuration to the system already certified and (3) receipt of written authorization from the licensor allowing issuance of certification to the licensee.
Systems certification issued to licensee will be consistent with system certification issued to licensor. Changes made to licensor system will automatically be made to licensee system. Revision fees will be paid by both licensor and licensee. Licensee system cannot be changed without identical change also being made to licensor system.
3.5 Revocation of Certification
3.5.1 Seller-initiated
One who has been issued certification for a SWH or PH system may voluntarily terminate that certification by giving written notice to FSEC. The not shall state the effective termination date and reason for termination.
3.5.2 FSEC-initiated
FSEC may revoke or suspend certification of a product in the event of:
1. Material misrepresentation in the application for certification.
2. Misrepresentation that one SWH or PH system's certification applies to another system which has not been certified.
3. Failure to comply with a condition of certification or labeling.
4. Failure to correct a discrepancy which is detected by FSEC after initial FSEC approval. Seller will be given 30 days in which to make corrections.
5. Misuse or misrepresentation of the FSEC rating.
The procedure for revoking certification shall conform to the process for denial of certification specified in Section 3.3.
Changes in a certified system that require approval of FSEC (see Section 2.4) are:
1. Changes in the manufacturer's model number of the collector, tank, pump, heat exchanger or controller to one not listed on the System Approval Certificate.
2. A change in the number of collector units used in an SWH system. This does not apply to PH systems.
3. A change in the schematic diagram; that is, a change in the arrangement of parts in the system.
1. A system with a unique plumbing arrangement and controller type is a basic system.
2. An SWH system which differs from another only in component size, capacity rating, etc., is a similar system.
3. A system which has one or more components which differ from those of another (approved) system as to manufacturer or model number but have the same capacity rating (within given tolerance) is an equivalent system.
Examples of changes that produce a different basic system:
Piping is changed from a direct solar loop to an indirect loop.
Control method is changed from differential temperature control to absolute (snap-switch) temperature control.
Examples of changes that create a similar system:
Substituting an 82-gallon tank for a 66-gallon tank.
Changing collector options if the maximum ratio requirement is not met. The ratio of the lowest-rated collector to the highest rated collector must be at least 0.75.
Examples of changes that produce an equivalent system:
Substituting one 82-gallon solar tank for another 82-gallon tank of a different manufacturer.
Substituting two collectors, each rated at 20,000 Btu/day, for one collector rated at 35,000 Btu/day (25 percent difference in total rating is allowed).
A single-tank system is used to preheat water in an existing tank.
A new tank is combined with an existing tank to obtain the solar storage capacity approved for the system.
The system is plumbed to a conventional storage tank instead of a solar tank. A schematic diagram must be approved.
a. The fee to certify a basic solar water heating or pool heating system will be $100.
b. The fee to certify a similar solar water heating system will be $70. Size variations in pool heating systems are permitted without FSEC approval.
c. The fee to certify an equivalent system will be $30.
d. The fee to certify, for a licensee, a system already certified for another seller will be $30.
e. The fee to revise an approved system will be $20 per system.
f. The fee to test, rate, and certify a solar system by the procedure outlined in Section 2.2.1.3 of FSEC-GP-7-80 will be $3,000.
g. System certification fee for those systems outlined in Sections 2.2.1.1 and 2.2.1.2 of FSEC-GP-7-80 will be $100.
h. For FSEC to conduct evaluations of components or administrative actions in a combination not covered by the fee outlined in items a through g of this section, a fee will be established consistent with fees listed above.
5.0 Requirements for Inspection
Compliance with many of the requirements of the system standards document can be verified only by an on-site inspection made after installation. This is the concern of local building officials.
In most cases regulations will require a building permit for installation of a solar water heating or pool heating system. Upon completion of the installation, the building official will inspect it to verify that:
1. An approved system including the approved major components has been installed.
2. An approved system manual has been provided.
3. The installation meets the requirements of the Florida standards and local codes.
System Approval Application Documents (PDF)
- Information sheet on application forms
- Instructions on Application for Solar Energy System Approval
- Application Form for Solar Domestic Hot Water System Approval
- Application Form for Solar Pool Heating System Approval
- System Plumbing Sheet
- Schematic Checklist
- Sample Schematic
- Homeowner's Manual Checklist
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