Model Colorado Electric and Solar Ready Code
Published July 11, 2025
As part of the adoption of the 2024 ICC codes, jurisdictions must also adopt the Model Colorado Electric and Solar Ready Code. This code prepares homes for future full electrification and installation of solar PV systems as part of Colorado’s goal to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. We highly recommend discussing these new codes with your electrical contractor and adjusting the scope of work to include the required circuits.
EnergyLogic will provide inspection services for the Model Colorado Electric and Solar Ready Code but only items that are not required to be inspected and verified as compliant with the National Electrical Code. We are not qualified to inspect conduit size, electrical panel capacity, correct wiring for any circuit, etc. Our inspections will be limited to location of conduits and outlets as they apply to the Model Colorado Electric and Solar Ready Code. We will work closely with jurisdictions as they adopt this new code to delineate responsibility for each inspection item.
Builders must provide EnergyLogic with the same set of plans submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). EnergyLogic will review these plans in relation to beyond code programs in which the builder is enrolled, such as DOE Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Next Gen, or as part of a utility run rebate program.
Plan sets submitted to EnergyLogic and to the AHJ will need the following minimum information per section 103.2 of the Model Colorado Electric and Solar Ready Code:
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1. Location and size of the solar-ready zone. |
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2. Structural design loads of roof dead load and roof live load. |
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3. Pathways for routing of conduit from the solar-ready zone to the electrical service panel. |
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4. Number and location of EV capable light spaces. |
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5. Number and location of EV capable spaces. |
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6. Number and location of EV ready spaces. |
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7. Number and location of EVSE installed spaces. |
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8. Locations of conduit and termination points serving the aforementioned parking spaces. |
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9. Location for condensate drainage where combustion equipment for space heating and water heating is installed |
EnergyLogic’s plan review and onsite inspections will be limited in scope to identifying items that are installed in the correct location or missing from those locations. For example, we will review plans to ensure that the solar ready zone is clearly drawn up according to the code requirement. If a photovoltaic system is to be installed, we will include it in our modeling process and ensure it is installed onsite. Section RV502.2 EV Ready Spaces is an example of where we will need to split the inspection with the AHJ or hand it over completely. This section has requirements that are beyond the certification requirements of an Energy Rater such as verifying a minimum circuit capacity of 8.3 kVA. But we can identify an outlet for EV charging and ensure it’s in place before drywall.
To date, the City of Thornton and the City of Golden have moved to adopt the 2024 IECC and the Colorado Model Electric and Solar Ready Code.
So, if your plans include building in Golden or Thornton in the near future, reach out to us and those jurisdictions to make sure everyone is looking at the new codes and ensuring compliance.
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