California Solar Mandate 2023: Home Requirements

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The California Energy Commission states that Title 24 requirements aim to "reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings." These standards set Building Energy Efficiency Standards for new construction as well as for additions or alterations to existing structures.

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Updated every three years, Title 24 evolves to help Californians adopt energy-efficient technologies and modern construction practices. By conserving energy, these standards increase the availability of electricity for homes, reduce the need for new power plants, and contribute to combating the climate crisis.

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2022 Energy Code: Battery Storage & Electric Readiness

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California’s Solar Mandate underwent updates in December 2022, with the new rules, known as the 2022 Energy Code, taking effect in January 2023. This update requires all single-family homes to be electric-ready and provides guidelines for installing battery storage systems. While the battery storage requirement currently applies only to select businesses, it signals the direction of future code updates. Solar battery systems enhance energy independence by enabling the use of stored onsite energy, reducing reliance on the grid and fossil fuel power plants.

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Why is battery storage a key focus in 2023? Here are some reasons why installing a battery system is a smart choice for homes and businesses:

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Emergency Preparedness: During an outage, a solar system with a battery can continue supplying electricity. During the day, solar panels power the home and recharge the battery, which provides energy after sunset. This cycle repeats as needed, ensuring a reliable backup power source.

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Grid Independence: Without a battery, a solar system cannot function during a power outage because it relies on the grid to complete the electrical circuit. Adding a battery allows the system to operate independently of the grid, maintaining functionality during outages.

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Environmental Impact: Batteries not only provide backup power but also help reduce the grid’s reliance on fossil fuel power plants, contributing to a cleaner energy future.

 

By installing a battery storage system, you can protect your home or business from outages, increase energy independence, and support a more sustainable energy grid.

Solar Cost Savings with Title 24 Requirements

 

At SolarHut, we offer Title 24 Plans Options and Title 24 Installation Options to make the process seamless for you. Let us handle all the heavy lifting! Call us today to get a customized quote and take the first step toward energy savings and compliance.

 

Need Help with a Title 24 Exemption?

Navigating Title 24 exemptions can be complex, but understanding the options can simplify the process. Here are six types of exemptions:

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Limited Unshaded Roof Space: If less than 80 adjacent square feet of roof space is unshaded due to trees or nearby structures, PV installation is not required.

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Inadequate Roof Space: For homes with limited roof area, smaller PV systems can be installed, with a minimum of 1.5 Watts DC per square foot of floor area.

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Two-Story Buildings: If roof space is insufficient, the PV system can be scaled to produce no less than 1.0 Watt DC per square foot of floor area.

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Three-Story Buildings: For similar space constraints, PV systems may be installed with a minimum of 0.8 Watt DC per square foot of floor area.

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Pre-2020 Plans: For plans approved before January 1, 2020, PV system size can be adjusted based on the effective annual solar access available.

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Battery Storage Systems: Installing a battery storage system allows for a 25% reduction in required PV sizes.

 

At SolarHut, our experts are well-versed in Title 24 requirements and exemptions. We’ll help you design a solar solution that meets the Building Standards Code while staying within your budget. Our energy consultants will create a tailored plan to meet your needs, save you money, and take advantage of any additional incentives, including funding opportunities for qualifying ADUs.

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Contact us today to explore your options and get started!