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.
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including renewable energy, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of PV system sizing., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138., 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 renewable energy points., ]
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