How Building Codes Are Shaping the Residential Solar and Storage Industry
Building codes are making residential solar and storage safer, but also adding complexity
Let’s get Solar+Storage Specific
The residential solar and storage industry is evolving quickly, driven by advances in technology, consumer demand for clean energy, and ambitious climate goals at state and local levels. To support and regulate this growth, local and state-wide codes have adapted, integrating new standards to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of solar and energy storage systems across the nation. As new products continue to hit the market, these codes will continue to be refined with every new code cycle.
The Evolution of Codes for Solar and Storage
2024 International Building Code (IBC)
Initially, proposals by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2022 recommended placing solar and storage installations under Risk Category 4, typically reserved for critical infrastructure such as hospitals. However, this proposal was met with resistance from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which argued that these requirements would unnecessarily increase costs without substantial safety benefits. The ICC compromised, designating solar and storage projects as Risk Category 2, allowing for more manageable standards while maintaining safety.
This decision is undoubtedly a victory for clean energy deployment in the United States after more than 300 companies signed a letter urging approval of SEIA’s compromise proposals...The extreme and overly burdensome code measures that would have been required under the FEMA proposal could have stifled clean energy growth without improving grid resilience. The resulting effect, whether intended or not, would have been a disastrous decrease in renewable energy projects while we aggressively strive to meet important climate goals. - Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA CEO
2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
The IRC, specifically tailored to one- and two-family homes, has evolved to accommodate various solar applications over the years. Earlier IRC editions focused broadly on structural and fire safety but did not include specific provisions for solar. As the residential solar market grew, the 2021 included explicit guidelines on structural support, fire pathways, and panel access. Moving into the 2024 International Residential Code cycle many new updates were approved, including accurate identification and listing of newer BIPV systems (RB20-22; RB146-22; RB240-22; RB145-22), as well as clear guidelines around vehicle abatement for energy storage systems (RB161-22).
2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
As residential solar installations became more common, fire safety emerged as a priority. The updated 2024 International Fire Code addresses uncertainty around heat detection and alarm requirements in residential garages (F154-21), as well as clarification around barrier requirements within vehicle “normal driving paths” (F155-21). In previous code cycles, due to ambiguity with the language, these requirements have been left up to interpretation by the adopting municipality.
The Future of Residential Codes
As energy storage, PV and BIPV technology becomes more widespread, updates in the 2025 and 2028 code cycles are expected to introduce new provisions for battery locations and safety, size limitations, and thermal protection measures. By evolving with technology and consumer needs, codes like the IRC, IFC, and NEC will continue to clarify requirements for solar and energy storage installation practices.
Staying on top of Code Changes
It is imperative that solar and storage industry professionals keep up to date on municipal, state and international code updates. By utilizing tools that streamline compliance, interpret municipal codes, and support expansion decisions, professionals will be able to save time and make the correct market decisions for their respective business.
How Fordje fits in
Fordje provides a powerful solution for the solar and storage industry, particularly for navigating complex and varied municipal codes, which are essential for regulatory compliance and footprint expansion. Below are a few ways Fordje’s toolset supports the industry:
Municipal Code Research: Fordje’s queryable database of code clarifications allow users to locate specific building and zoning regulations efficiently, minimizing time spent on compliance research.
Code Clarification: Fordje’s machine learning-powered “Code Clarifier” tool simplifies and interprets regulatory language, making it easier to understand complex code nuances. This is invaluable for solar and storage professionals, where clarity on compliance and reducing back-and-forth greatly enhances financial predictability.
Business Expansion Tool: For solar companies looking to expand, Fordje provides insights into new markets by outlining differences across regions. It enables companies to evaluate potential markets based on ease of compliance, supporting strategic growth.
Try it out for free!
Fordje’s “Code Clarifier” public launch has gained multi-market interest. If you’d like to see how the product works, feel free to check out some of the major cities below that are publicly available!
For a full list of available cities, to request a city that isn’t currently available, or to get a more in-depth view of how the product works, please head to the main page to get started!
