Alternative energy and building codes

 I originally posted this in the alt.energy.renewable newsgroup, but
nobody answered it so I repost here in the hope that somebody can
help.


In a different forum, I asserted that:

"Part of the problem is the struggle to comply with local civil
ordinances. Quite a few cities and small towns are still trying to
upgrade their building codes (which in some cases have not been
updated for decades.) Even if you can find and install the equipment
that you need, you may end up having to seek a variance permit and the
city will probably insist that your equipment and wiring be inspected
by a licensed electrician. It is not a simple do-it-yourself project
unless you happen to live in a rural area and own your own home."

This claim was based primarily on my own experience:  The city in
which I live requires a permit and an inspection if you want to
install solar panels on your property.  I realize that I should have
qualified that statement, but I still think this statement might be
accurate especially since a Google search revealed that there are over
14,000 local code jurisdictions in just the US.  I cannot prove the
statement, however.  (You know Google:  It gives you all of the
information except the information that you actually need.)  So I
thought I would ask the experts.

Do building codes help or hinder the cause of renewable energy?  Can
you point me to any websites which discuss this issue in more detail?
Thank you in advance!

Morgoth's Curse

 
|I originally posted this in the alt.energy.renewable newsgroup, but
| nobody answered it so I repost here in the hope that somebody can
| help.
|
|
| In a different forum, I asserted that:
|
| "Part of the problem is the struggle to comply with local civil
| ordinances. Quite a few cities and small towns are still trying to
| upgrade their building codes (which in some cases have not been
| updated for decades.) Even if you can find and install the equipment
| that you need, you may end up having to seek a variance permit and the
| city will probably insist that your equipment and wiring be inspected
| by a licensed electrician. It is not a simple do-it-yourself project
| unless you happen to live in a rural area and own your own home."
|
| This claim was based primarily on my own experience:  The city in
| which I live requires a permit and an inspection if you want to
| install solar panels on your property.  I realize that I should have
| qualified that statement, but I still think this statement might be
| accurate especially since a Google search revealed that there are over
| 14,000 local code jurisdictions in just the US.  I cannot prove the
| statement, however.  (You know Google:  It gives you all of the
| information except the information that you actually need.)  So I
| thought I would ask the experts.
|
| Do building codes help or hinder the cause of renewable energy?  Can
| you point me to any websites which discuss this issue in more detail?
| Thank you in advance!
|
| Morgoth's Curse

http://www.nabcep.org/

 On Thu, 4 Sep 2008 20:02:29 -0400, "Martin Riddle"


Thank you, but I fail to understand the significance of this link.  It
is a certification program for PV installers and does not discuss
issues with building codes or even supply any news on alternative
energy at all.

Morgoth's Curse

 

"Morgoth's Curse " wrote:


Solar panels are purely a rich man's toy. They are NOT an economical
source of bulk power and are unlikely ever to be despite what hoaxster
told you otherwise.

Just insulate your building VERY WELL and you'll do more good than you can
imagine. At about 1/10th the price too (or less). And I mean INSULATE
properly. Not half measures. Insulation is cheap. Its keeps the cold out
in winter and the heat out in summer too, thereby reducing your energy
demands by more than any tin-pot PV solar panel could ever do.

Graham

 wrote:


The insulation itself may be cheap but adding more to existing walls
isn't. Doors and windows are especially difficult and expensive to
modify unless you are an experienced carpenter with a planer. Even
then it's messy and you have to wait for good bug-free weather. You
can add a layer of styrofoam to the inner walls and buy extenders for
the electrical boxes but it's a fire hazard and may interfere with the
action of the vapor barrier.

I could add insulation only to one windowless north wall and the
attic. The original attic access hatch didn't close well so I reframed
the opening more neatly and put a foam rubber around the edge of the
hatch. That was a simple job that saved a lot of energy. You can see
attic heat leakage and how well your repairs work by looking at the
melt pattern after a light snowfall.

Jim Wilkins