Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 151 - Labor and Industry Department
Chapter 1325 - SOLAR ENERGY
Part 1325.1100 - SOLAR ENERGY

Subpart 1. Authority.

This part is authorized by Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.25, and established through the rulemaking procedures in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14.

Subp. 2. Scope.

This part applies to solar energy systems which are used to satisfy space heating and/or space cooling and/or domestic or service hot water demands of buildings, and shall be used for all solar energy systems as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.06, subdivision 17; however, this part does not apply to solar energy systems whose primary purpose is to produce generated electric power. This part is to be used in conjunction with existing building codes and standards and does not replace existing building codes.

Subp. 3. Purpose.

The purpose of this part is twofold: first, to establish standards for the evaluation of the performance, durability, reliability, and maintainability of solar energy systems; and second, to require Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) certification that discloses to each potential buyer of the extent to which the seller's solar energy system meets or exceeds the SRCC Operating Guidelines and Standards in subpart 4a.

Subp. 4. [Repealed, 20 SR 2290(NO. 43)]

Subp. 4a. Incorporation of Operating Guidelines and Standards.

The publications in items A to C adopted by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) are incorporated by reference and made part of the Minnesota State Building Code. They are not subject to frequent change and are available at the Minnesota State Law Library.

Subp. 5. [Repealed, 20 SR 2290(NO. 43)]

Subp. 5a. Certification.

Solar collectors and solar water heating systems sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state must bear a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) certification label evidencing the manufacturer's compliance with the design, reliability, durability, safety, operation, servicing, installation, and manual criteria contained in the Operating Guidelines and Standards in subpart 4a. In addition, in accordance with the Operating Guidelines and Standards, every seller of solar collectors and solar water heating systems for installation in the state must provide every bona fide prospective buyer a copy of the certification award issued by the SRCC.

Subp. 6. Enforcement.

The building official shall not issue any permits required for installation of the electrical, mechanical, or structural aspects of the solar energy system until the seller has furnished the building official a copy of the completed certification award required by this part. The building official need not determine the accuracy of the seller's certification award or otherwise determine the extent to which the seller's solar energy system meets or exceeds the Operating Guidelines and Standards in subpart 4a.