TENCO SOLAR helps California residents understand the solar panel requirements for newly built ADUs under Title 24. In this blog, we cover:
If you’re considering building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your California property, you may have questions about the state’s new energy requirements. Under updated Title 24 building requirements, new construction ADUs may be required to have solar panels installed in some California jurisdictions.
Read on to find out what this new guidance entails and whether it applies to your ADU construction plans.
Title 24 is a piece of California legislation that states that after January 1, 2020, all newly built, non-manufactured, detached ADUs need to install solar panels if the local jurisdiction enforces the prescriptive energy requirements in California’s state code.
According to these prescriptive requirements, any newly constructed, detached accessory dwelling units for which the permit application was submitted on or after January 1, 2020, must install solar panels.
Yes — newly constructed ADUs must have solar panels installed if they’re non-manufactured and detached from the main home. According to the California Energy Commission, the panels can either be installed onto the ADU or on the primary dwelling unit.
Some may interpret this to mean any shed, barn, outhouse, or home addition may be subject to solar panel installation requirements under Title 24. However, there are exemptions that may not require all California homeowners planning to build an ADU to install solar panels.
You might not have to install solar panels on your ADU or primary dwelling unit if your building plans fall under one of these exemption categories:
While Title 24 offers statewide solar panel installation guidance for newly constructed ADUs, cities and counties may adopt different standards throughout the state. The PV system requirements also vary depending on your geographic location and climate zone. Always refer to your local guide to determine if your ADU building plans require you to budget for solar panel installation.
Having a government agency that requires you to install solar panels for any new building plans on your property might seem like overreach to some. But there are plenty of good reasons why homeowners may want to consider solar panel installation regardless of what the government has to say about it:
Are you interested in reaping the benefits of solar energy for your ADU or primary dwelling unit?
At TENCO SOLAR, we help you harness the power of the sun to reduce your environmental footprint and trim your monthly utility bills. Our experts are always ready to answer your questions and help you identify the best system for your needs and comfort.
Contact us to request a free solar panel quote for your ADU or home.
Begin your switch to solar energy by starting with a TENCO SOLAR consultation. Our team will schedule a pre-site inspection to understand your needs and identify solutions helping you save on your energy expenses while reducing your carbon footprint. We make the process simple by completing permitting on your behalf.
Working around your schedule, our team will make a solar panel installation appointment that’s convenient for you. We will professionally install all the necessary equipment for setting your home or commercial business up with solar energy access in one day.
Our team will guide you through the new features and functions of your solar energy equipment in addition to setting you up through Net Energy Metering allowing you to sell your excess energy produced to the grid. We will provide you any service or maintenance solutions you need to enjoy solar connectivity for years to come.