When installing solar panels, what key input is required for the Renewable Energy credit?

The key input required for the Renewable Energy credit when installing solar panels is the reference electric load. This is critical because the reference electric load provides a benchmark against which the energy generated by the solar panels can be measured. Essentially, it represents the total energy usage that the project or building expects to consume, which is necessary for determining how much renewable energy contributes to reducing overall energy consumption.

By establishing the reference electric load, project teams can calculate the percentage of energy needs that the solar panels will meet, thus helping to assess the impacts of the renewable energy system on reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This measurement is essential in satisfying the requirements for the Renewable Energy credit under the LEED certification framework, ensuring that the project's sustainable energy contributions are accurately accounted for.