Photovoltaic sizing & SARA (Solar Access Roof Area)

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• § 150.1 High relevance — show source text

  Exception 1 to Section 150.1(c)11: Building integrated photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels are not required to comply with the minimum requirements for aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI. Exception 2 to Section 150.1(c)11: Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 lb/ft [2] are not required to comply with the minimum requirements for aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI. 12. Ventilation cooling. Single-family homes shall comply with the whole-house fan (WHF) requirements shown in Table 150.1A. When a WHF is required, comply with Subsections A, B and C below. A. Have installed one or more WHFs whose total airflow cfm is equal to or greater than 1.5 cfm/ft [2] of conditioned floor area. Airflow cfm for WHFs shall be determined based on the airflow listed in the Home Ventilating Institute Certified Products Directory. B. Have at least 1 square foot of attic vent free area for each 750 cfm of rated whole-house fan airflow cfm, or if the manufacturer has specified a greater free vent area, the manufacturer’s free vent area specifications. Exception to Section 150.1(c)12B: WHFs that are directly vented to the outside. C. Provide homeowners who have WHFs with a one page “How to operate your whole-house fan” informational sheet. Exception to Section 150.1(c)12: New dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 square feet or less shall not be required to comply with the WHF requirements. 13. HVAC system bypass ducts. Bypass ducts that deliver conditioned supply air directly to the space-conditioning system return duct airflow shall not be used.

  14. Photovoltaic requirements. All single-family residential buildings shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 150.1-C, or the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs.

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 181

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  B. SARA does NOT include:

  i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep slope roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills, and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions, including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

• § 140.9 High relevance — show source text

  2. In a jurisdiction where gas heating is allowed.

  Exception 4 to Section 140.9(c)6: Buildings with an exhaust air heat recovery system and heat recovery chillers designed to provide at least 40 percent of the peak heating load from exhaust heat recovery.

  Exception 5 to Section 140.9(c)6: Exhaust systems requiring wash down systems such as exhaust systems dedicated to perchloric acid fume hoods.

  Exception to Section 140.9(c): Healthcare facilities.

  Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code.

  SECTION 140.10—PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

  (a) Photovoltaic requirements. All newly constructed building types specified in Table 140.10-A, or mixed occupancy buildings where at least 80 percent of the floor area of the building serves one or more of these building types, shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA11. The PV capacity in kW dc shall not be less than the smaller of the minimum rated PV system capacity determined by Equation 140.10-A, or the total of all available solar access roof areas (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. In mixed occupancy buildings, the minimum rated PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying Equation 140.10-A to the conditioned floor area of each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.

  1. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  2. SARA does NOT include:

  A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions, including those that are external to the building, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: i. Other state building code requirements; or ii. Local building code requirements if the local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 145

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

  COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  EQUATION 140.10-A—PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT CAPACITY

  kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000

  where:

  kW PVdc = Minimum rated PV system capacity in kW.

• § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

  ii. Reserved.

  iii. Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater than or equal to the following: a. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is less than 50 mA; or

  b. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is 50 mA or greater. The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.

  iv. Reserved.

  v. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or greater; or Exception to Section 170.2(e)7Bv: Single voltage external power supplies that are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20). Exception 1 to Section 170.2(e)7: Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated sign. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(e)7: Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations. Exception 3 to Section 170.2(e)7: Traffic signs that meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Sections 1601(m), 1602, 1602.1, 1603, 1604(m), 1605, 1605.1(m), 1605.2(m), 1605.3(m), 1606, 1607, 1608, and 1609.

  (f) Photovoltaic requirements—three habitable stories or fewer . All multifamily buildings up to three habitable stories shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 170.2-C, or the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or SARA multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  B. SARA does NOT include:

  i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep-sloped roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: a. Other state building code requirements, or b. Local building code requirements if local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

• § 1511.10. High relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 181

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  B. SARA does NOT include:

  i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep slope roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills, and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions, including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations. ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: a. Other state building code requirements, or b. Local building code requirements if local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director .

  EQUATION 150.1-C—ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT kW PV = (CFA × A)/1000 +(N DU × B)

  where:

  kW PV = kW dc size of the PV system.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area.

  N DU = Number of dwelling units. A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 150.1-C. B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 150.1-C. Exception 1 to Section 150.1(c)14: For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet. Exception 2 to Section 150.1(c)14: No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size specified by Section 150.1(c)14 is less than 1.8 kW dc . Exception 3 to Section 150.1(c)14: Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet the requirements of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Standard 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads. Exception 4 to Section 150.1(c)14: For buildings that are approved by the local planning department prior to January 1, 2020 with mandatory conditions for approval: a. Shading from roof designs and configurations for steep-sloped roofs, which are required by the mandatory conditions for approval, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations; and b. Roof areas that are not allowed by the mandatory conditions for approval to have PVs shall not be considered in determining the SARA.

• § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

  All multifamily buildings up to three habitable stories shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 170.2-C, or the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or SARA multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  B. SARA does NOT include:

  i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep-sloped roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: a. Other state building code requirements, or b. Local building code requirements if local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  EQUATION 170.2-C—ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT

  kW PV = (CFA × A)/1000 + N DU × B)

  where:

  kW PV = kW dc size of the PV system.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area.

  266 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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  MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  N DU = Number of dwelling units.

  A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 170.2-T.

  B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 170.2-T.

  Exception 1 to Section 170.2(f): For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet.

  Exception 2 to Section 170.2(f): No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size specified by Section 170.2(f) is less than 4 kW dc .

  Exception 3 to Section 170.2(f): Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet the requirements of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standard 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.

• § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

  The PV capacity in kW dc shall not be less than the smaller of the minimum rated PV system capacity determined by Equation 170.2-D, or the total of all available solar access roof areas (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. In mixed occupancy buildings, the minimum rated PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying Equation 170.2-D to the conditioned floor area of each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.

  1. SARA include the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  2. SARA does not include:

  A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the building,

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 267

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: i. Other state building code requirements, or ii. Local building code requirements if the local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  EQUATION 170.2-D—PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT CAPACITY

  kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000

  where:

  kW PVdc = Minimum rated PV system capacity in kW.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area in square feet.

  A = PV capacity factor in W/square foot as specified in Table 170.2-U for the building type.

  Exception 1 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required where the total of all available SARA is less than 3 percent of the conditioned floor area.

  Exception 2 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required where the required PV system capacity is less than 4 kW dc .

  Exception 3 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required if the SARA contains less than 80 contiguous square feet.

  Exception 4 to Section 170.2(g): Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules, components, supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet ASCE 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.

• § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

  b. Roof areas that are not allowed to have PVs by the mandatory conditions of approval shall not be considered in determining the SARA.

  Exception 5 to Section 170.2(f): PV system sizes determined using Equation 170.2-C may be reduced by 25 percent if installed in conjunction with a BESS. The BESS shall meet the qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA12 and have a minimum cycling capacity of 7.5 kWh as defined in Joint Appendix JA12.

  TABLE 170.2-T—CFA AND DWELLING UNIT ADJUSTMENT FACTORS	Col2	Col3
  CLIMATE ZONE	A—CFA	B—DWELLING UNITS
  1	0.793	1.27
  2	0.621	1.22
  3	0.628	1.12
  4	0.586	1.21
  5	0.585	1.06
  6	0.594	1.23
  7	0.572	1.15
  8	0.586	1.37
  9	0.613	1.36
  10	0.627	1.41
  11	0.836	1.44
  12	0.613	1.40
  13	0.894	1.51
  14	0.741	1.26
  15	1.56	1.47
  16	0.59	1.22

  (g) Photovoltaic requirements—more than three habitable stories. All newly constructed building types specified in Table 170.2-U, or mixed occupancy buildings where at least 80 percent of the floor area of the building serves one or more of these building types, shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA11. The PV capacity in kW dc shall not be less than the smaller of the minimum rated PV system capacity determined by Equation 170.2-D, or the total of all available solar access roof areas (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. In mixed occupancy buildings, the minimum rated PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying Equation 170.2-D to the conditioned floor area of each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.

  1. SARA include the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  2. SARA does not include:

  A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the building,

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 267

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

• § 1511.10. High relevance — show source text

  1. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

  2. SARA does NOT include:

  A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions, including those that are external to the building, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: i. Other state building code requirements; or ii. Local building code requirements if the local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 145

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

  COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  EQUATION 140.10-A—PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT CAPACITY

  kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000

  where:

  kW PVdc = Minimum rated PV system capacity in kW.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area in square feet.

  A = PV capacity factor in W/square foot as specified in Table 140.10-A for the building type.

  Exception 1 to Section 140.10(a): No PV system is required where the total of all available SARA is less than 3 percent of the conditioned floor area.

  Exception 2 to Section 140.10(a): No PV system is required where the required PV system capacity is less than 4 kW dc .

  Exception 3 to Section 140.10(a): No PV system is required if the SARA contains less than 80 contiguous square feet.

  Exception 4 to Section 140.10(a): Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules, components, supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet ASCE 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.

  Exception 5 to Section 140.10(a): For nonresidential and hotel/motel multitenant buildings, the PV capacity determined by Equation 140.10-A shall be calculated without including tenant spaces meeting all of the following: i. The tenant space is less than or equal to 2,000 square feet of conditioned space; ii. The tenant space is served by an HVAC system that does not serve other tenant spaces in the building; and iii. The tenant space has an individual utility meter to track electricity consumption that does not include the electricity consumption of other tenant spaces in the building.

  This exception does not apply where the Commission has approved a community solar program for showing compliance as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115, or where a load-serving entity provides a program where PV generation is compensated through virtual energy bill credits for occupants of nonresidential and hotel/motel tenant spaces to receive energy bill benefits from netting of energy generation and consumption.

• § 6.2 High relevance — show source text

  R329.6.2 Setback at ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.

  R329.6.2.1 Alternative setback at ridge. Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed within the dwelling or townhouse in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section R309, setbacks at ridges shall comply with one of the following:

  1. For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
  2. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.

  R329.6.3 Emergency escape and rescue openings. Panels and modules installed on dwellings or townhouses shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape and rescue opening. A pathway not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide shall be provided to the emergency escape and rescue opening.

  Exception: BIPV systems listed in accordance with UL 3741, where the removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during firefighting operations has been determined to not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards.

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  BUILDING PLANNING

  R329.6.4 Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Where building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are installed in a manner creating areas with electrical hazards that are hidden from view, markings shall be provided to identify the hazardous areas to avoid for ladder placement. The markings shall be reflective and be visible from grade beneath the eaves or other location approved by the fire code official.

  Exception: BIPV systems listed in accordance with UL 3741, where the removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during firefighting operations have been determined to not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards.

  R329.7 Elevated photovoltaic (PV) support structures. Elevated PV support structures used as an accessory structure shall comply with either Section R329.7.1 or R329.7.2. Elevated PV support structures shall be considered a roof for the purposes of establishing the number of stories and fire separation distances.

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

  R329.7.1 PV panels installed over open-grid framing or 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.

• § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  EQUATION 170.2-C—ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT

  kW PV = (CFA × A)/1000 + N DU × B)

  where:

  kW PV = kW dc size of the PV system.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area.

  266 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  N DU = Number of dwelling units.

  A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 170.2-T.

  B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 170.2-T.

  Exception 1 to Section 170.2(f): For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet.

  Exception 2 to Section 170.2(f): No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size specified by Section 170.2(f) is less than 4 kW dc .

  Exception 3 to Section 170.2(f): Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet the requirements of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standard 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.

  Exception 4 to Section 170.2(f): For buildings that are approved by the local planning department prior to January 1, 2020 with mandatory conditions of approval: a. Shading from roof designs and configurations for steep slope roofs shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations; and

  b. Roof areas that are not allowed to have PVs by the mandatory conditions of approval shall not be considered in determining the SARA.

  Exception 5 to Section 170.2(f): PV system sizes determined using Equation 170.2-C may be reduced by 25 percent if installed in conjunction with a BESS. The BESS shall meet the qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA12 and have a minimum cycling capacity of 7.5 kWh as defined in Joint Appendix JA12.

  TABLE 170.2-T—CFA AND DWELLING UNIT ADJUSTMENT FACTORS	Col2	Col3
  CLIMATE ZONE	A—CFA	B—DWELLING UNITS
  1	0.793	1.27
  2	0.621	1.22
  3	0.628	1.12
  4	0.586	1.21
  5	0.585	1.06
  6	0.594	1.23
  7	0.572	1.15
  8	0.586	1.37
  9	0.613	1.36
  10	0.627	1.41
  11	0.836	1.44
  12	0.613	1.40
  13	0.894	1.51
  14	0.741	1.26
  15	1.56	1.47
  16	0.59	1.22

  (g) **Photovoltaic requirements—more than three habitable stories.

• § 150.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  where:

  kW PV = kW dc size of the PV system.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area.

  N DU = Number of dwelling units. A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 150.1-C. B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 150.1-C. Exception 1 to Section 150.1(c)14: For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet. Exception 2 to Section 150.1(c)14: No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size specified by Section 150.1(c)14 is less than 1.8 kW dc . Exception 3 to Section 150.1(c)14: Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet the requirements of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Standard 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads. Exception 4 to Section 150.1(c)14: For buildings that are approved by the local planning department prior to January 1, 2020 with mandatory conditions for approval: a. Shading from roof designs and configurations for steep-sloped roofs, which are required by the mandatory conditions for approval, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations; and b. Roof areas that are not allowed by the mandatory conditions for approval to have PVs shall not be considered in determining the SARA. Exception 5 to Section 150.1(c)14: PV system sizes determined using Equation 150.1-C may be reduced by 25 percent if installed in conjunction with a BESS. The BESS shall meet the qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA12 and have a minimum cycling capacity of 7.5 kWh as defined in Joint Appendix JA12. 15. Ventilation system fault indicator display (FID): All HRV/ERV systems serving individual dwelling units shall have a fault indicator display (FID) that is ECC-Rater field verified as specified in Joint Appendix JA17.

  182 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  |TABLE 150.

• § 503.1.4. Medium relevance — show source text

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

  and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

  B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: i. Other state building code requirements, or ii. Local building code requirements if the local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  EQUATION 170.2-D—PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT CAPACITY

  kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000

  where:

  kW PVdc = Minimum rated PV system capacity in kW.

  CFA = Conditioned floor area in square feet.

  A = PV capacity factor in W/square foot as specified in Table 170.2-U for the building type.

  Exception 1 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required where the total of all available SARA is less than 3 percent of the conditioned floor area.

  Exception 2 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required where the required PV system capacity is less than 4 kW dc .

  Exception 3 to Section 170.2(g): No PV system is required if the SARA contains less than 80 contiguous square feet.

  Exception 4 to Section 170.2(g): Buildings with enforcement-authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules, components, supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet ASCE 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.

  Exception 5 to Section 170.2(g): Multifamily buildings with more than three habitable stories in areas where a load-serving entity does not provide a program where PV generation is compensated through virtual energy bill credits. This exception does not apply where the Commission has approved a community solar program for showing compliance as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115, or where a load-serving entity provides a program where PV generation is compensated through virtual energy bill credits for occupants of nonresidential and hotel/motel tenant spaces to receive energy bill benefits from netting of energy generation and consumption.

  TABLE 170.2-U – PV CAPACITY FACTORS (W/ft2 of conditioned floor area)	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6	Col7	Col8	Col9	Col10	Col11	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	Col17
  BUILDING TYPE	CZ 1	CZ 2	CZ 3	CZ 4	CZ 5	CZ 6	CZ 7	CZ 8	CZ 9	CZ 10	CZ 11	CZ 12	CZ 13	CZ 14	CZ 15	CZ 16
  Event & Exhibit	3.48	4.28	3.66	4.32	3.77	4.05	4.28	4.83	4.63	4.