The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) is now accepting solar thermal collector and system certifications from the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation™ (SRCC), a member of the International Code Council (ICC) Family of Companies, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Research and Testing (IAPMO). SRCC and IAPMO certifications meet the minimum standards of the Florida Solar Energy Center. FSEC continues to list solar thermal collectors and systems that have been certified by FSEC and now also deems SRCC and IAPMO certifications as equivalent to FSEC certifications. The adoption of SRCC and IAPMO certifications as equivalent to FSEC certifications reduces the complexity of the certification process for the solar thermal industry.

Verification of the authenticity of solar thermal collector or system certification can be determined using the following Internet links:

• FSEC Solar Thermal Certifications
• SRCC Solar Thermal Certifications
• IAPMO Solar Thermal Certifications

While FSEC will maintain its existing certifications, it is encouraging solar thermal vendors to apply for new certifications through SRCC or IAPMO as national certifications. Annual listing fees for the maintenance of FSEC certifications for solar thermal collectors and systems are $150 per vendor plus $30 per collector or system.

FSEC is no longer conducting standardized testing of solar thermal collectors and systems. A listing of accredited test laboratories that can conduct these standardized tests can be found online here.

FSEC will continue to provide solar thermal research and development on a contracts and grants basis. If you are interested in conducting research on solar hot water collectors or systems, please contact us by e-mail to: thermal@fsec.ucf.edu

FSEC has amended the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule under which Florida’s solar equipment program operates. A copy of the Rule can be found here. FSEC Standard 101-15, “Operation of the Solar Thermal Collector and System Certification Program”, which is incorporated by reference in FSEC’s Rule, can be found here.