3111 Solar Energy Systems — 2025 California Building Code

Solar energy systems shall comply with the requirements of this section.

3111.1.1 Wind resistance. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems and solar thermal collectors shall be designed in accordance with Section 1609.

Exception: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, HCD-1, HCD-2] Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems and solar thermal collectors shall be designed in accordance with Section 1511.10 of this code.

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

3111.1.2 Roof live load. Roof structures that provide support for solar energy systems shall be designed in accordance with Section 1607.15.

Solar thermal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with this section, the California Plumbing Code, the California Mechanical Code and the California Fire Code . Where light-transmitting plastic covers are used, solar thermal collectors shall be designed in accordance with Section 2606.12.

3111.2.1 Equipment. Solar thermal systems and components shall be listed and labeled in accordance with ICC 900/SRCC 300 and ICC 901/SRCC 100.

Photovoltaic solar energy systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with this section, the California Fire Code, the California Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

3111.3.1 Equipment. Photovoltaic panels and modules shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 or with both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741. Systems connected to the utility grid shall use inverters listed for utility interaction.

3111.3.2 Fire classification. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.9. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems installed as roof coverings shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.8.

3111.3.3 Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. BIPV systems installed as roof coverings shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 1507.

[F] 3111.3.4 Access and pathways. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with Section 1205 of the California Fire Code .

3111.3.5 Elevated photovoltaic (PV) support structures. Elevated PV support structures shall comply with either Section 3111.3.5.1 or 3111.3.5.2.

Exception: Elevated PV support structures that are installed over agricultural uses.

3111.3.5.1 Photovoltaic (PV) panels installed over open-grid framing or a noncombustible deck. Elevated PV support structures with PV panels installed over open-grid framing or over a noncombustible deck shall have PV panels tested, listed and labeled with a fire type rating in accordance with UL 1703 or with both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2. Photovoltaic panels marked “not fire rated” shall not be installed on elevated PV support structures.

3111.3.5.2 Photovoltaic (PV) panels installed over a roof assembly. Elevated PV support structures with a PV panel system installed over a roof assembly shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.9.

3111.3.6 Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Chapter 16 and the California Fire Code .

3111.3.6.1 Fire separation distances. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall be subject to the fire separation distance requirements determined by the local jurisdiction.