Solar is required on new California residential structures as of January 2020. Here are ways you can optimize and take advantage of the new requirement.
The California Solar Mandate
California's 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) require nearly all new homes, including ADUs, to include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The mandate took effect on January 1, 2020.
What "optimization" looks like
For most homeowners and ADU clients, the goal is to satisfy the mandate while minimizing upfront cost and maximizing long-term return. That usually means right-sizing the array to your home's actual annual electricity load, choosing string vs. micro-inverter architecture based on roof shading, and bundling battery storage only when local rate structures (Time-of-Use, NEM 3.0) make it economic.
Talk to us before you build
Builders Now incorporates Title 24 compliance into every new-home and ADU project plan. We coordinate with energy consultants and preferred solar partners early so the system is part of the design from day one instead of bolted on at the end.
Have a specific project in mind? Schedule a call and we'll walk you through the options for your property.
