TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)rewards energy-efficient systems, including solar hot water heating, under theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category. Solar hot water systems reduce energy use for water heating, a significant component of residential energy consumption.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment (1–3 points)
Install high-efficiency water heating equipment, such as solar hot water systems, that meet specified performance criteria (e.g., solar fraction of at least 0.4 for solar systems). Points are awarded based on the efficiency and percentage of hot water demand met by the system.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment, p. 134.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment
Solar hot water systems qualify for points by reducing energy use for water heating, based on their solar fraction or efficiency.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Solar hot water heating systems are rewarded underEfficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment(Option B), as they directly address water heating efficiency.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: High-Efficiency Appliances, p. 136., C. Renewable Energy: This credit rewards on-site renewable energy generation (e.g., solar photovoltaic panels for electricity), not solar thermal systems for water heating.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138., D. Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems: This credit addresses HVAC duct design and balancing, not water heating.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems, p. 126., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including water heating efficiency, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of this credit., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment, p. 134., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming solar hot water criteria., ]
