DOE F 413.12 PV-Ready ZERH Checklist

DOE HQ F
413.12 (07/2023)

OMB Control #:1910-5184
Exp. Date: 07/31/2023

U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home
PV-Ready Checklist – Version 2

These PV Ready provisions of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program shall be met by
any home or building certified under the program, unless one or more of the exceptions noted
in the applicable program requirements applies. If one or more exceptions apply, a project
may be certified under the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program if all other applicable
program requirements are met.
Application to Multifamily buildings: for multifamily buildings, the PV-Ready provisions
listed below may optionally be applied to the electric service for the building’s common space
instead of being applied to each individual dwelling unit.

These requirements were adapted from the U.S. EPA’s Renewable Energy Ready Home Solar Photovoltaic
Specification Guide. This guide can be accessed online at:
https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/asset/document/Renewable_Energy_PV.pdf

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U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist – Version 2
Item #

Requirement

Rater
Verified1

1

Identify a proposed array location in between 110 and 270 degrees of
true north and its square footage on architectural diagram or with a
written description noting which part(s) of the roof or lot will be used for
the proposed array:
PV
sq.ft.



2

Identify orientation (Azimuth) of proposed array location:
PV
degrees.



3

Identify Inclination of proposed array location:
PV
degrees.



4

Provide to owner code-compliant documentation of the maximum
allowable dead load and live load ratings of the existing roof. This
provision is not required for proposed future ground-mount systems.



Provide to owner architectural drawing of solar PV system
components relating the information from Items 1 – 3 above.
or
5

6

7

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Provide to owner a written description of the following information:
• List of renewable-ready features. This can be documented by
providing a copy of this checklist.
• Description of the location of the proposed array location and its
size, from Item #1
• Location of breaker or slot for future breaker in electrical service
panel
Install 1” electric metallic tube (EMT) conduit or other 1” codecompliant conduit from the attic space beneath the designated array
location or the roof area near the designated array location, to a
location within 8 feet of the electric service panel that terminates to a
junction box. The number of bends shall adhere to electrical code
requirements. Cap and label both ends.
• For ground-mounted PV systems, code-compliant conduit is
Install or
reserve
space
in the
electrical
service
thelocation
future
run
from the
house
to the
location
of the panel
futurefor
array
installation of a dual pole circuit breaker for use by the PV system.
Label the service panel.





2

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The Rater is defined as the person(s) completing the third-party verification required for certification. The
person(s) shall: a) be a Certified Rater or Approved Inspector, as defined by ANSI / RESNET / ICC Standard
301, or an equivalent designation as determined by a DOE-recognized Home Certification Organization for
ZERH (HCO for ZERH). All Raters for DOE ZERH projects must successfully complete a DOE ZERH
orientation course. The Rater shall also have a signed partnership agreement in place with the DOE ZERH
program.

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