A proposed 1000 kWh photovoltaic system will achieve two points in the Energy and Atmosphere,...

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Renewable Energy, which awards points based on the percentage of annual energy use offset by on-site renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EA Credit: Renewable Energy (1–4 points)

Install on-site renewable energy systems to offset a percentage of the home’s annual energy use. Points are awarded as follows:

1 point: 0.5 kW or 5% of annual energy use.

2 points: 1.0 kW or 10% of annual energy use.

3 points: 1.5 kW or 15% of annual energy use.

4 points: 2.0 kW or 20% of annual energy use.The kW values are for photovoltaic systems and assume typical production rates (e.g., 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year).Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138.

TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:

EA Credit: Renewable Energy

Points are awarded based on the installed capacity of PV systems (e.g., 2.0 kW for 4 points) or the percentage of energy offset, whichever is higher. A 2000 kWh system (approximately 2.0 kW) qualifies for 4 points.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The question states a 1000 kWh PV system earns 2 points, corresponding to approximately 1.0 kW (assuming 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year). A 2000 kWh system is approximately 2.0 kW (2000 ÷ 1500 ≈ 1.33 kW, but conservatively aligned with the 2.0 kW threshold in LEED), which earns4 points(Option D).

Why not the other options?

A. One point: This corresponds to 0.5 kW, far below a 2000 kWh system.

B. Two points: This is the baseline for a 1000 kWh (1.0 kW) system, not 2000 kWh.