Pre-piping for Roof-mounted Solar Energy Generation

A quick trip through any of Vancouver’s historic neighbourhoods will show that houses tend to stick around for quite some time, upwards of 40 years in some cases. Given that, it’s important that when we build new homes now we equip it with the components and infrastructure it will probably need at some point in its lifespan. Within reason, of course.

One area of “green” technology that has proved itself time and again is solar energy generation; this typically takes the form of roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems. Photovoltaic systems, commonly known as “solar panels”, take the sun’s rays and directly converts them to electricity, which can be used to power the house and, in some cases, even supply power to the municipal electricity grid. Solar thermal, in contrast, uses the sun’s energy to heat water by passing it through dark-coloured pipes that heat up quickly in sunlight. Even on Vancouver’s overcast days, both of these systems have been shown to be effective in harnessing the sun’s power; however, one system might be better suited than the other for a particular house.

With that in mind, the Program requires that every new house be equipped with two 50 mm (2 inch) pipes that run from the home’s service room (where the water tank is) to the attic. This will allow for the future installation of roof-mounted solar energy generating equipment without needing to tear open walls and ceilings. In addition, these pipes are suitable for use with either solar energy system, giving the future homeowner the greatest amount of flexibility.

For more information, please visit the Solar BC or Canadian Solar Industries Association websites.

By-law Language:

12.2.2.9. Vertical Service Shaft

1) A vertical service shaft shall extend from the service room, which contains the service water heater, to the attic space, consisting of at least two 50 mm PVC pipes, capped at both ends, and having at least a 20° angle.

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