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CHAPTER 14
SOLAR SYSTEMS
SECTION MC 1401
GENERAL
1401.1 Scope. 
This chapter shall govern the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equip-
ment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or 
cooling, domestic hot water heating, swim-
ming pool heating or process heating.
1401.2 Potable water supply. 
Potable water supplies to solar systems shall be protected against contamination in 
accordance with the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
.
Exception: 
Wher
e all solar system piping is a part of the potable water distribution system, in accordance with the 
requirements of the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
, and all components of the piping system are listed for potable 
water use, cross
-
connection protection meas
ures shall not be required.
1401.3 Heat exchangers. 
Heat exchangers used in domestic water
-
heating systems shall be approved for the intended 
use. The system shall have adequate protection to ensure that the potability of the water supply and distribution 
system 
is properly safeguarded.
1401.4 Solar energy equipment and appliances. 
Solar energy equipment and appliances shall conform to the re-
quirements of this chapter and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
1401.5 Ducts. 
D
ucts utilized in solar heating and cooling systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance 
with Chapter 6 of this code.
SECTION 
MC 
1402
INSTALLATION
1402.1 Access. 
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance. 
Solar systems 
and appurtenances shall 
be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the 
New York City Fire 
Code 
regarding rooftop access and obstructions, and shall 
not obstruct or interfere with 
fire
-
fighting operations or 
the operation
of any doors, windows
, fire escapes, or other means of egress
or other building components requiring 
operation or access.
1402.2 Protection of equipment. 
Solar equipment exposed to vehicular traffic shall be installed not less than 6 feet 
(1828.8 mm) abov
e the finished floor.
Exception: 
This section shall not apply where the equipment is protected from motor vehicle impact.
1402.3 Controlling condensation. 
Where attics or structural spaces are part of a passive solar system, ventilation of 
such spaces, as 
required by Section 406, is not required where other approved means of controlling condensation are 
provided.
1402.4 Roof
-
mounted collectors. 
Roof
-
mounted solar collectors that also serve as a roof covering shall conform to 
the requirements for roof coveri
ngs in accordance with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the require-
ments for plastic roof panels in the 
New York City
Building Code
.
1402.4.1 Collector
s mounted above the roof. 
Where mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array 
and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire
-
retardant
-
treated wood con-
forming to the 
New York City
Building Cod
e to the exte
nt required for the type of roof construction of the building 
to which the collectors are accessory.
SOLAR SYSTEMS
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the 
requirements for plastic roof panels in the 
Ne
w York City
Building Code
.
1402.5 Equipment. 
The solar energy system shall be equipped in accordance with the requirements of Sections 
1402.5.1 through 1402.5.4.
1402.5.1 Pressure and temperature. 
Solar energy system components containing pressurized fluids shall be pro-
tected against pressures and temperatures exceeding design limitations with a pressure and temperature relief valve. 
Each section of the system in which excessive pressures are capabl
e of developing shall have a relief device located 
so that a section cannot be valved off or otherwise isolated from a relief device. Relief valves shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 1006.4 and discharge in accordance with Section 1006.6.
1402.5
.2 Vacuum. 
The solar energy system components that are subjected to a vacuum while in operation or during 
shutdown shall be designed to withstand such vacuum or shall be protected with vacuum relief valves.
1402.5.3 Protection from freezing. 
System compone
nts shall be protected from damage by freezing of heat trans-
fer liquids at the lowest ambient temperatures that will be encountered during the operation of the system.
1402.5.4 Expansion tanks. 
Liquid single
-
phase solar energy systems shall be equipped wit
h expansion tanks sized 
in accordance with Section 1009.
1402.6 Penetrations. 
Roof and wall penetrations shall be flashed and sealed to prevent entry of water, rodents and 
insects.
1402.7 Filtering. 
Air transported to occupied spaces through rock or dust
-
p
roducing materials by means other than 
natural convection shall be filtered at the outlet from the heat storage system.
SECTION 
MC 
1403
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
1403.1 Flash point. 
The flash point of the actual heat transfer fluid utilized in a solar system sh
all be not less than 
50°F (10°C) above the design maximum nonoperating (no
-
flow) temperature of the fluid attained in the collector.
1403.2 Flammable gases and liquids. 
A flammable liquid or gas shall not be utilized as a heat transfer fluid.
SECTION 
MC 
1404
MATERIALS
1404.1 Collectors. 
Factory
-
built collectors shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing the manufacturer’s 
name and address, model number, collector dry weight, collector maximum allowable operating and nonoperating 
temp
eratures and pressures, minimum allowable temperatures and the types of heat transfer fluids that are compatible 
with the collector. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the collector.
1404.1.1 Types of collectors. 
The following 
types of collectors may be installed:
1.
Flat
-
plate collectors.
2.
Evacuated
-
tube collectors.
3.
Integral collector storage systems.
4.
Alternative collectors as approved by the commissioner in accordance with Section 28
-
113.2 of the 
Admin-
istrative Code
.
1
404.2 Thermal storage units. 
Pressurized thermal storage units shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing 
the manufacturer’s name and address, model number, serial number, storage unit maximum and minimum allowable 
operating temperatures, storag
e unit maximum and minimum allowable operating pressures and the types of heat 
transfer fluids compatible with the storage unit. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the 
thermal storage unit.
CHAPTER 14
SOLAR SYSTEMS
SECTION MC 1401
GENERAL
1401.1 Scope. 
This chapter shall govern the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equip-
ment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or 
cooling, domestic hot water heating, swim-
ming pool heating or process heating.
1401.2 Potable water supply. 
Potable water supplies to solar systems shall be protected against contamination in 
accordance with the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
.
Exception: 
Wher
e all solar system piping is a part of the potable water distribution system, in accordance with the 
requirements of the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
, and all components of the piping system are listed for potable 
water use, cross
-
connection protection meas
ures shall not be required.
1401.3 Heat exchangers. 
Heat exchangers used in domestic water
-
heating systems shall be approved for the intended 
use. The system shall have adequate protection to ensure that the potability of the water supply and distribution 
system 
is properly safeguarded.
1401.4 Solar energy equipment and appliances. 
Solar energy equipment and appliances shall conform to the re-
quirements of this chapter and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
1401.5 Ducts. 
D
ucts utilized in solar heating and cooling systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance 
with Chapter 6 of this code.
SECTION 
MC 
1402
INSTALLATION
1402.1 Access. 
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance. 
Solar systems 
and appurtenances shall 
be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the 
New York City Fire 
Code 
regarding rooftop access and obstructions, and shall 
not obstruct or interfere with 
fire
-
fighting operations or 
the operation
of any doors, windows
, fire escapes, or other means of egress
or other building components requiring 
operation or access.
1402.2 Protection of equipment. 
Solar equipment exposed to vehicular traffic shall be installed not less than 6 feet 
(1828.8 mm) abov
e the finished floor.
Exception: 
This section shall not apply where the equipment is protected from motor vehicle impact.
1402.3 Controlling condensation. 
Where attics or structural spaces are part of a passive solar system, ventilation of 
such spaces, as 
required by Section 406, is not required where other approved means of controlling condensation are 
provided.
1402.4 Roof
-
mounted collectors. 
Roof
-
mounted solar collectors that also serve as a roof covering shall conform to 
the requirements for roof coveri
ngs in accordance with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the require-
ments for plastic roof panels in the 
New York City
Building Code
.
1402.4.1 Collector
s mounted above the roof. 
Where mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array 
and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire
-
retardant
-
treated wood con-
forming to the 
New York City
Building Cod
e to the exte
nt required for the type of roof construction of the building 
to which the collectors are accessory.
SOLAR SYSTEMS
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the 
requirements for plastic roof panels in the 
Ne
w York City
Building Code
.
1402.5 Equipment. 
The solar energy system shall be equipped in accordance with the requirements of Sections 
1402.5.1 through 1402.5.4.
1402.5.1 Pressure and temperature. 
Solar energy system components containing pressurized fluids shall be pro-
tected against pressures and temperatures exceeding design limitations with a pressure and temperature relief valve. 
Each section of the system in which excessive pressures are capabl
e of developing shall have a relief device located 
so that a section cannot be valved off or otherwise isolated from a relief device. Relief valves shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 1006.4 and discharge in accordance with Section 1006.6.
1402.5
.2 Vacuum. 
The solar energy system components that are subjected to a vacuum while in operation or during 
shutdown shall be designed to withstand such vacuum or shall be protected with vacuum relief valves.
1402.5.3 Protection from freezing. 
System compone
nts shall be protected from damage by freezing of heat trans-
fer liquids at the lowest ambient temperatures that will be encountered during the operation of the system.
1402.5.4 Expansion tanks. 
Liquid single
-
phase solar energy systems shall be equipped wit
h expansion tanks sized 
in accordance with Section 1009.
1402.6 Penetrations. 
Roof and wall penetrations shall be flashed and sealed to prevent entry of water, rodents and 
insects.
1402.7 Filtering. 
Air transported to occupied spaces through rock or dust
-
p
roducing materials by means other than 
natural convection shall be filtered at the outlet from the heat storage system.
SECTION 
MC 
1403
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
1403.1 Flash point. 
The flash point of the actual heat transfer fluid utilized in a solar system sh
all be not less than 
50°F (10°C) above the design maximum nonoperating (no
-
flow) temperature of the fluid attained in the collector.
1403.2 Flammable gases and liquids. 
A flammable liquid or gas shall not be utilized as a heat transfer fluid.
SECTION 
MC 
1404
MATERIALS
1404.1 Collectors. 
Factory
-
built collectors shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing the manufacturer’s 
name and address, model number, collector dry weight, collector maximum allowable operating and nonoperating 
temp
eratures and pressures, minimum allowable temperatures and the types of heat transfer fluids that are compatible 
with the collector. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the collector.
1404.1.1 Types of collectors. 
The following 
types of collectors may be installed:
1.
Flat
-
plate collectors.
2.
Evacuated
-
tube collectors.
3.
Integral collector storage systems.
4.
Alternative collectors as approved by the commissioner in accordance with Section 28
-
113.2 of the 
Admin-
istrative Code
.
1
404.2 Thermal storage units. 
Pressurized thermal storage units shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing 
the manufacturer’s name and address, model number, serial number, storage unit maximum and minimum allowable 
operating temperatures, storag
e unit maximum and minimum allowable operating pressures and the types of heat 
transfer fluids compatible with the storage unit. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the 
thermal storage unit.
CHAPTER 14
SOLAR SYSTEMS
SECTION MC 1401
GENERAL
1401.1 Scope. 
This chapter shall govern the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equip-
ment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or 
cooling, domestic hot water heating, swim-
ming pool heating or process heating.
1401.2 Potable water supply. 
Potable water supplies to solar systems shall be protected against contamination in 
accordance with the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
.
Exception: 
Wher
e all solar system piping is a part of the potable water distribution system, in accordance with the 
requirements of the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
, and all components of the piping system are listed for potable 
water use, cross
-
connection protection meas
ures shall not be required.
1401.3 Heat exchangers. 
Heat exchangers used in domestic water
-
heating systems shall be approved for the intended 
use. The system shall have adequate protection to ensure that the potability of the water supply and distribution 
system 
is properly safeguarded.
1401.4 Solar energy equipment and appliances. 
Solar energy equipment and appliances shall conform to the re-
quirements of this chapter and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
1401.5 Ducts. 
D
ucts utilized in solar heating and cooling systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance 
with Chapter 6 of this code.
SECTION 
MC 
1402
INSTALLATION
1402.1 Access. 
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance. 
Solar systems 
and appurtenances shall 
be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the 
New York City Fire 
Code 
regarding rooftop access and obstructions, and shall 
not obstruct or interfere with 
fire
-
fighting operations or 
the operation
of any doors, windows
, fire escapes, or other means of egress
or other building components requiring 
operation or access.
1402.2 Protection of equipment. 
Solar equipment exposed to vehicular traffic shall be installed not less than 6 feet 
(1828.8 mm) abov
e the finished floor.
Exception: 
This section shall not apply where the equipment is protected from motor vehicle impact.
1402.3 Controlling condensation. 
Where attics or structural spaces are part of a passive solar system, ventilation of 
such spaces, as 
required by Section 406, is not required where other approved means of controlling condensation are 
provided.
1402.4 Roof
-
mounted collectors. 
Roof
-
mounted solar collectors that also serve as a roof covering shall conform to 
the requirements for roof coveri
ngs in accordance with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the require-
ments for plastic roof panels in the 
New York City
Building Code
.
1402.4.1 Collector
s mounted above the roof. 
Where mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array 
and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire
-
retardant
-
treated wood con-
forming to the 
New York City
Building Cod
e to the exte
nt required for the type of roof construction of the building 
to which the collectors are accessory.
SOLAR SYSTEMS
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the 
requirements for plastic roof panels in the 
Ne
w York City
Building Code
.
1402.5 Equipment. 
The solar energy system shall be equipped in accordance with the requirements of Sections 
1402.5.1 through 1402.5.4.
1402.5.1 Pressure and temperature. 
Solar energy system components containing pressurized fluids shall be pro-
tected against pressures and temperatures exceeding design limitations with a pressure and temperature relief valve. 
Each section of the system in which excessive pressures are capabl
e of developing shall have a relief device located 
so that a section cannot be valved off or otherwise isolated from a relief device. Relief valves shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 1006.4 and discharge in accordance with Section 1006.6.
1402.5
.2 Vacuum. 
The solar energy system components that are subjected to a vacuum while in operation or during 
shutdown shall be designed to withstand such vacuum or shall be protected with vacuum relief valves.
1402.5.3 Protection from freezing. 
System compone
nts shall be protected from damage by freezing of heat trans-
fer liquids at the lowest ambient temperatures that will be encountered during the operation of the system.
1402.5.4 Expansion tanks. 
Liquid single
-
phase solar energy systems shall be equipped wit
h expansion tanks sized 
in accordance with Section 1009.
1402.6 Penetrations. 
Roof and wall penetrations shall be flashed and sealed to prevent entry of water, rodents and 
insects.
1402.7 Filtering. 
Air transported to occupied spaces through rock or dust
-
p
roducing materials by means other than 
natural convection shall be filtered at the outlet from the heat storage system.
SECTION 
MC 
1403
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
1403.1 Flash point. 
The flash point of the actual heat transfer fluid utilized in a solar system sh
all be not less than 
50°F (10°C) above the design maximum nonoperating (no
-
flow) temperature of the fluid attained in the collector.
1403.2 Flammable gases and liquids. 
A flammable liquid or gas shall not be utilized as a heat transfer fluid.
SECTION 
MC 
1404
MATERIALS
1404.1 Collectors. 
Factory
-
built collectors shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing the manufacturer’s 
name and address, model number, collector dry weight, collector maximum allowable operating and nonoperating 
temp
eratures and pressures, minimum allowable temperatures and the types of heat transfer fluids that are compatible 
with the collector. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the collector.
1404.1.1 Types of collectors. 
The following 
types of collectors may be installed:
1.
Flat
-
plate collectors.
2.
Evacuated
-
tube collectors.
3.
Integral collector storage systems.
4.
Alternative collectors as approved by the commissioner in accordance with Section 28
-
113.2 of the 
Admin-
istrative Code
.
1
404.2 Thermal storage units. 
Pressurized thermal storage units shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing 
the manufacturer’s name and address, model number, serial number, storage unit maximum and minimum allowable 
operating temperatures, storag
e unit maximum and minimum allowable operating pressures and the types of heat 
transfer fluids compatible with the storage unit. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the 
thermal storage unit.
CHAPTER 14
SOLAR SYSTEMS
SECTION MC 1401
GENERAL
1401.1 Scope. 
This chapter shall govern the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equip-
ment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or 
cooling, domestic hot water heating, swim-
ming pool heating or process heating.
1401.2 Potable water supply. 
Potable water supplies to solar systems shall be protected against contamination in 
accordance with the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
.
Exception: 
Wher
e all solar system piping is a part of the potable water distribution system, in accordance with the 
requirements of the 
New York City
Plumbing Code
, and all components of the piping system are listed for potable 
water use, cross
-
connection protection meas
ures shall not be required.
1401.3 Heat exchangers. 
Heat exchangers used in domestic water
-
heating systems shall be approved for the intended 
use. The system shall have adequate protection to ensure that the potability of the water supply and distribution 
system 
is properly safeguarded.
1401.4 Solar energy equipment and appliances. 
Solar energy equipment and appliances shall conform to the re-
quirements of this chapter and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
1401.5 Ducts. 
D
ucts utilized in solar heating and cooling systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance 
with Chapter 6 of this code.
SECTION 
MC 
1402
INSTALLATION
1402.1 Access. 
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance. 
Solar systems 
and appurtenances shall 
be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the 
New York City Fire 
Code 
regarding rooftop access and obstructions, and shall 
not obstruct or interfere with 
fire
-
fighting operations or 
the operation
of any doors, windows
, fire escapes, or other means of egress
or other building components requiring 
operation or access.
1402.2 Protection of equipment. 
Solar equipment exposed to vehicular traffic shall be installed not less than 6 feet 
(1828.8 mm) abov
e the finished floor.
Exception: 
This section shall not apply where the equipment is protected from motor vehicle impact.
1402.3 Controlling condensation. 
Where attics or structural spaces are part of a passive solar system, ventilation of 
such spaces, as 
required by Section 406, is not required where other approved means of controlling condensation are 
provided.
1402.4 Roof
-
mounted collectors. 
Roof
-
mounted solar collectors that also serve as a roof covering shall conform to 
the requirements for roof coveri
ngs in accordance with the 
New York City
Building Code
.
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the require-
ments for plastic roof panels in the 
New York City
Building Code
.
1402.4.1 Collector
s mounted above the roof. 
Where mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array 
and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire
-
retardant
-
treated wood con-
forming to the 
New York City
Building Cod
e to the exte
nt required for the type of roof construction of the building 
to which the collectors are accessory.
SOLAR SYSTEMS
Exception: 
The use of plastic solar collector covers shall be limited to those approved plastics meeting the 
requirements for plastic roof panels in the 
Ne
w York City
Building Code
.
1402.5 Equipment. 
The solar energy system shall be equipped in accordance with the requirements of Sections 
1402.5.1 through 1402.5.4.
1402.5.1 Pressure and temperature. 
Solar energy system components containing pressurized fluids shall be pro-
tected against pressures and temperatures exceeding design limitations with a pressure and temperature relief valve. 
Each section of the system in which excessive pressures are capabl
e of developing shall have a relief device located 
so that a section cannot be valved off or otherwise isolated from a relief device. Relief valves shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 1006.4 and discharge in accordance with Section 1006.6.
1402.5
.2 Vacuum. 
The solar energy system components that are subjected to a vacuum while in operation or during 
shutdown shall be designed to withstand such vacuum or shall be protected with vacuum relief valves.
1402.5.3 Protection from freezing. 
System compone
nts shall be protected from damage by freezing of heat trans-
fer liquids at the lowest ambient temperatures that will be encountered during the operation of the system.
1402.5.4 Expansion tanks. 
Liquid single
-
phase solar energy systems shall be equipped wit
h expansion tanks sized 
in accordance with Section 1009.
1402.6 Penetrations. 
Roof and wall penetrations shall be flashed and sealed to prevent entry of water, rodents and 
insects.
1402.7 Filtering. 
Air transported to occupied spaces through rock or dust
-
p
roducing materials by means other than 
natural convection shall be filtered at the outlet from the heat storage system.
SECTION 
MC 
1403
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
1403.1 Flash point. 
The flash point of the actual heat transfer fluid utilized in a solar system sh
all be not less than 
50°F (10°C) above the design maximum nonoperating (no
-
flow) temperature of the fluid attained in the collector.
1403.2 Flammable gases and liquids. 
A flammable liquid or gas shall not be utilized as a heat transfer fluid.
SECTION 
MC 
1404
MATERIALS
1404.1 Collectors. 
Factory
-
built collectors shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing the manufacturer’s 
name and address, model number, collector dry weight, collector maximum allowable operating and nonoperating 
temp
eratures and pressures, minimum allowable temperatures and the types of heat transfer fluids that are compatible 
with the collector. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the collector.
1404.1.1 Types of collectors. 
The following 
types of collectors may be installed:
1.
Flat
-
plate collectors.
2.
Evacuated
-
tube collectors.
3.
Integral collector storage systems.
4.
Alternative collectors as approved by the commissioner in accordance with Section 28
-
113.2 of the 
Admin-
istrative Code
.
1
404.2 Thermal storage units. 
Pressurized thermal storage units shall be listed and labeled, and bear a label showing 
the manufacturer’s name and address, model number, serial number, storage unit maximum and minimum allowable 
operating temperatures, storag
e unit maximum and minimum allowable operating pressures and the types of heat 
transfer fluids compatible with the storage unit. The label shall clarify that these specifications apply only to the 
thermal storage unit.