2018 MA Code Update

Happy New Year! The extremely cold start of the New Year certainly highlights the importance of energy efficiency and the need for comfort under worst case conditions. We hope you find this update useful and informative.

Air Tight Insight is a publication of Ace Energy Services, Inc. (a HERS Rating and energy code certification services company) and 3ACH50 Inc. (specializing in cost-effective, results-driven air sealing) are proud to be the go-to resource providing you with relevant, easy-to-understand information on energy code(s), building science and green building standards in the Commonwealth.

MA Code Update

There has been some confusion about what new changes are in effect at the start of 2018. In short, there are very few minor changes in the energy code with one exception which is that new homes now will have to have “Solar Ready Rooftops”. The Solar Ready provision applies to new detached single and two-family dwelling units and townhouses with not less than 600 square feet of roof area that are oriented between 110 to 270 degrees of true north.

Exceptions

There are two exceptions to new code. The first is when the solar ready zone is shaded for more than 70% of daylight hours. The second exception applies to buildings where permanently installed on-site renewable energy systems may already be in place.

Construction Documentation

Plans must include a solar panel layout or solar-ready zone. The solar-ready zone shall not be less than 300 square feet. Or if the house is a townhouse three stories or less, and the total floor area is less than 2000 square feet, the solar ready zone shall not be less than 150 square feet. (These areas are exclusive of mandatory access or set-back areas as required by 527 CMR (fire safety code). The structural design loads for live and dead loads should be clearly indicated on construction documentation. Electrical conduit pathway from the solar ready zone to the electrical panel (PV) or plumbing pathway from the solar-ready zone to the service hot water system (solar thermal.)

Solar Ready Zone Area & Obstructions

The solar-ready zone areas shall be composed of areas not less than 80 square feet and at least 5 ft. wide. The solar-ready zone should not be obstructed, including but not limited to vents, chimneys, and roof mounted items.

Electrical Service Reserved Space

The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow installation of a dual pole circuit breaker for future solar installation. It shall be labeled “For Future Solar Electric. A permanent certificate, indicating solar-ready zone and other requirements of this section shall be posted at a conspicuous location (electrical distribution panel, water heater, etc.) by the builder/registered design professional.

Mass Save Update

Early results are in for actual payments to builders under the new Blended Savings Approach (BSA.) the average builder payment is about $1,400 for single family homes.

The average payment for multifamily developments is approximately $730 per unit. Amounts paid under the new BSA are based on overall savings per MMBTU and/or kWh above the MA reference home.

New Look to HERS Certificates

Many HERS Rating companies are switching energy modeling software known as Ekotrope. It has many features and efficiencies that most everyone who uses it likes. The Mass Save rebate program will now requires the use of Ekotrope. As a result, Rating Certificates will look a little different from those generated by the old software.

The all-important HERS score is prominently displayed on the new certificate. Under the new code, the only requirement for a building permit or certificate of occupancy is that the number be 55 or less if this performance path is taken. The same essential information is on the certificate, but sorry no more stars! They were quite meaningless anyways.