U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energy Savers

Building Codes, Covenants, and Regulations for Solar Water Heating Systems Reading List

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• Photovoltaic and Solar-Thermal Technologies in Residential Building Codes (PDF 1 MB). (September 1999). National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Although geared toward the solar industry and policymakers, this technical report provides a review of the building codes that affect photovoltaic and solar water heating installations.

• Starrs, T.; Nelson, L.; Zalcman, L. (1999). Bringing Solar Energy to the Planned Community (PDF 1 MB). U.S. Department of Energy. Describes neighborhood covenants as they relate to rooftop photovoltaic and solar water heating installations. Includes information on obtaining approval for your design, your legal options, and removing barriers to solar installations.

• Heat Your Water with the Sun (PDF 603 KB). (December 2003). DOE/GO-102003-1824. U.S. Department of Energy.