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NC-v4 EAc2:Optimize energy performance

Clarification on Modeling Solar Hot Water Systems in ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Baseline

For a LEED energy model following ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix G, we're modeling a domestic solar hot water system with:

  • 3 flat plate collectors

  • Solar storage tank

  • Showers as primary end-use

Proposed Case: Modelled the actual solar thermal system

Baseline Case:

Does ASHRAE 90.1-2010 require the baseline to:
a) Include an identical solar thermal system?
b) Use a conventional system (electric/gas water heater) instead?
c) Follow some prescriptive solar requirements?​

Reference to specific sections in ASHRAE 90.1-2010 would be greatly appreciated.

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Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:56

Solar hot water systems typically have a back up system installed. The baseline would be the same fuel source as the back up system using a convential water heater with no solar component. The savings also count as renewable energy.

Tue, 07/08/2025 - 14:54

Hi Marcus, I was of the same understanding, but the shower supply(which is occasional during player rehab times) is entirely relying on the solar hot water system. In this case, Should I be not modelling any service hot water system for baseline? A bit consfused in this part. Since my proposed energy model is giving a negative result(which is ofcourse energy generation instead of consumption), I was of the view to substract the figure from proposed energy consumption and use the savings.

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 07:56

Hi Marcus, I misspoke earlier. The hot water supply to pantr/kitchen/shower area shall be through Electric Storage type Geysers only during winters. 100% Solar Water Heating System is proposed at the terrace of the buildings to provide domestic hot water fr the rest of the year In line with the above, what should be the basecase?

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:37

That makes more sense. If you size a solar hot water system to 100% of the peak load it can get so large (number of panels/size of storage tank) that it is not cost effective. Typically they are sized to provide around 80% of the peak load. That said, if the baseline backup system is electric then the baseline is electric storage.

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:44

Do I need to model the electric geyser in both proposed and baseline? I mean the electric geyser serves only during the 4 months of winter season here in India. The other 8 months get served through the solar hot water system alone. 

Wed, 07/09/2025 - 14:18

Yes. I table 7.8 the geyser system is referred to as an electric table top water heater.

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