PV-ready: ≥1.5-in conduit from main panel to attic, dedicated PV breaker space, ≥ 200-A service, south-facing roof area

Description

ZERH-certified homes must include PV-ready electrical infrastructure (even if no PV system is installed at the time of certification): conduit at least 1.5 in diameter routed from the main electrical panel to the attic (or wherever future inverters would land); dedicated breaker space in the main panel sized for a future PV array; main service ≥ 200 A. PV-readiness also requires the home design to include a south-facing roof area large enough for a system that would offset annual electricity use (typically 300-500 sqft of un-shaded roof).

Why this exists

Retrofitting PV onto a home not designed for it costs $2,000-5,000 in electrical work alone; pre-routing the conduit during construction adds maybe $200. Architects designing ZERH-target homes should orient the long roof axis east-west (presenting south-facing roof slope) and avoid placing skylights / vents on the south slope.

Categories

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Switches, outlets, thermostats: 15 to 48 inch reach range for forward and side reach · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 5 (Chapter Five)
• Exterior ramps: maximum slope 1:12, minimum 36 inch clear width · HUD FHA Design Manual Chapter Two §2.7
• Frequently-operated controls (switches, outlets, thermostats) must be in accessible locations · HUD FHA Design Manual Ch 5 §5.2 Switches, outlets, and controls (overview)
• Forward reach with no obstruction: 15-48" AFF · HUD FHA Design Manual Ch 5 §5.5 Forward reach with no obstruction
• Forward reach over an obstruction (counter, base cabinet): 15-48" AFF with knee space below · HUD FHA Design Manual Ch 5 §5.6 Forward reach over an obstruction