A solar ready ordinance is intended to make installation of solar generating equipment easier on a building should in the future the owner decide to install a solar energy system.  Most cities who have adopted solar ready regulations require buildings constructed after adoption of the ordinance to first analyze the potential solar energy generating potential of the building roof.  If the roof area meets the prescribed standards for solar generating potential and the roof area is available (could be used as a green roof or could have significant area devoted to mechanical uses) then the ordinance requires the building to incorporate chases that could be used in the future to house conduit/conductors from the roof mounted solar panels to the breaker panel.

Attached is an example of how "solar ready" language could look based upon standards adopted by St. Louis.  Staff has incorporated the "solar ready" elements into the City's existing solar installation section of our Code to provide an overview of what a final regulation would look like.

The example reflects "solar ready" being applied to only new structures.  It would not apply to renovations to existing structures or to additions.  It would be applicable to new construction of all types (commercial, industrial and residential).

The exceptions language and standards for determining if a building is suitable for solar is directly from the St. Louis ordinance.  This language is intended to avoid employing solar ready design on buildings that will not be solar energy generating candidates.  Lack of access to sufficient sunlight or lack of roof availability for solar panels are the principal reasons for being exempt.

As a point of clarification, carports and detached garages are considered  "buildings" and would be subject to the solar ready requirements.