Title 24 · California Energy Code
When a PV system is not required (exceptions and thresholds)
If your building’s usable roof (SARA) is tiny relative to the conditioned floor area (<3%), yields a required PV size under 4 kW dc, or lacks a single contiguous 80 ft² area, the California Energy Code lets you skip installing PV; these carve‑outs are Exceptions 1–3 to § 140.10(a).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
All newly constructed nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings listed in Table 140.10‑A (or mixed‑occupancy buildings that meet the Table’s thresholds) must have a photovoltaic (PV) system sized by Equation § 140.10(a) (kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000) or by the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by a slope factor, whichever is smaller. The California Energy Code then lists explicit exceptions where no PV system is required (SARA percentage, minimum PV size, contiguous SARA, snow loads, certain tenant spaces). See § 140.10(a) for the prescriptive rule and the exceptions in the same section.
The single most important practical rule: if your building’s available SARA is under 3% of the conditioned floor area, or the calculated PV need is under 4 kW dc, or there is less than 80 contiguous ft² of SARA, the Energy Code says you do not need to install a PV system.
Requirements in detail
Key defined terms (first mention)
- § 140.10(a) — controlling prescriptive PV requirement and exceptions (see Equation and exceptions).
- SARA (solar access roof area) — roof area available to support PV (excludes roof areas with <70% annual solar access, occupied roofs, and areas restricted by other state/local code). SARA is used both as an area‑based sizing input and in the exceptions.
- CFA (conditioned floor area) — the conditioned floor area used in Equation § 140.10(a) to compute kW PVdc.
- kW dc — direct‑current rating for PV system capacity; used as the numeric threshold for Exception 2.
Decision table — when NO PV is required (at a glance)
| Decision dimension | Threshold / value | How it’s applied | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARA as percent of CFA | Less than 3% | If total available SARA < 3% of CFA, no PV is required. | § 140.10(a), Exception 1 |
| Minimum PV system size | Less than 4 kW dc | If the required PV capacity (per Equation or SARA method) is < 4 kW dc, no PV required. | § 140.10(a), Exception 2 |
| Contiguous SARA | Less than 80 ft² contiguous | If the SARA does not include at least one area of 80 contiguous ft², no PV required. | § 140.10(a), Exception 3 |
| SARA‑based sizing factors | ×18 (steep) or ×14 (low slope) | SARA × factor gives an alternate (roof‑area limited) PV capacity; the PV requirement is the smaller of Equation or SARA method. | § 140.10(a); Equation and SARA multipliers |
| Computation formula | kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000 | Equation § 140.10(a) is used to compute the building‑area based PV requirement; A is the PV capacity factor from Table 140.10‑A (not reproduced here). | § 140.10(a), Equation 140.10‑A |
Notes:
- The code defines SARA inclusions and exclusions in the same section; SARA excludes roof areas with less than 70% annual solar access and occupied roofs (CBC § 503.1.4), among other items. These rules affect the SARA numerator used in the 3% test and in SARA‑based sizing.
How the three primary exceptions operate together (summary)
- The Code sets PV size = the smaller of:
- the Equation result (kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000) or
- SARA × 18 (steep slope) or SARA × 14 (low slope). If either Exception 1, 2 or 3 applies, the building need not install a PV system at all — they are separate, independent carve‑outs in § 140.10(a).
Exceptions & special cases
- Exception 1 — SARA < 3% of CFA: If the computed total available SARA is less than 3% of the building’s conditioned floor area, the code explicitly states “No PV system is required.” This is written as Exception 1 to § 140.10(a).
- Exception 2 — Minimum PV size threshold: If the required PV capacity (the smaller of Equation or SARA method) is less than 4 kW dc, the code exempts the building from installing PV. This is Exception 2 to § 140.10(a).
- Exception 3 — Contiguous SARA < 80 ft²: If there is no contiguous block of SARA of at least 80 ft², no PV is required (Exception 3 to § 140.10(a)). Note: this is about contiguous area — many small islands of usable roof that do not form one 80‑ft² block do not count.
- Snow‑load / structural infeasibility: A local enforcement authority may approve an exception where PV (including panels, supports and attachments) cannot meet ASCE 7‑16 Chapter 7 snow load requirements. This is Exception 4 to § 140.10(a). That is a local authority determination; documentation to support the finding will be required by the AHJ.
- Tenant‑space exclusion (nonresidential/hotel/motel multitenant): Exception 5 excludes certain tenant spaces (≤2,000 sf, served by its own HVAC, with its own meter) from the building PV capacity calculation — but this does not remove the building’s overall obligation if other spaces still trigger the requirement. See § 140.10(a) Exception 5 for the full three‑part test and its limitations.
Common mistakes
- Treating the 3% test as “3% of roof area” instead of 3% of conditioned floor area (CFA). The exception compares SARA to CFA, not to total roof area — reference § 140.10(a) Exception 1.
- Ignoring the “contiguous” language for the 80 ft² exclusion. Several small usable patches that sum to 80 ft² do not qualify unless at least one contiguous 80 ft² exists. See § 140.10(a) Exception 3.
- Computing required PV from SARA without first excluding areas that have <70% annual solar access or occupied roofs — those excluded areas must be removed from SARA before applying the 3% test and SARA‑based sizing rules. See SARA exclusions in § 140.10(a).
- Applying Exception 2 (4 kW dc) without checking whether the minimum PV capacity comes from Equation § 140.10(a) or the SARA×factor method. The code takes the smaller of the two capacity calculations — only that resulting required capacity is compared to the 4 kW threshold.
- Using a locally claimed “structural hardship” without an enforcement‑authority determination. Exception 4 requires AHJ approval relating to ASCE 7‑16 snow loads. Do not assume a structural exception without documentation.
Worked example — concrete scenarios with numbers
Note: Equation § 140.10(a) is kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000. The PV capacity factor A (W/ft²) comes from Table 140.10‑A, which is not reproduced in the retrieved files; the examples below therefore use the SARA method (SARA × 18 or ×14) or the percent rule where table values would otherwise be needed.
Scenario A — small usable roof (Exception 1 triggers)
- Conditioned floor area (CFA) = 10,000 ft².
- Total available SARA after exclusions = 200 ft².
- SARA as percent of CFA = 200 / 10,000 = 2.0%, which is less than 3%.
Result: Exception 1 applies — no PV required. (See Exception 1 to § 140.10(a).)
Scenario B — SARA yields small PV (<4 kW dc) (Exception 2 triggers)
- Total available SARA = 250 ft² on a steep‑sloped roof.
- SARA‑based PV capacity = 250 ft² × 18 W/ft² = 4,500 W = 4.5 kW dc.
- If the Equation result (kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000) is larger, the smaller of the two is 4.5 kW (not exempt). But if SARA were slightly smaller, e.g., 220 ft² × 18 = 3.96 kW dc, the required PV capacity would be < 4 kW dc, so Exception 2 would apply and no PV would be required.
Reference: Exception 2 to § 140.10(a) and the SARA multipliers in § 140.10(a).
Scenario C — fragmented roof islands (Exception 3 triggers)
- Total available SARA = 100 ft², but composed of five separate 20 ft² islands (no single contiguous area ≥ 80 ft²).
Result: Even though total SARA = 100 ft² (which might be > 3% of a small CFA), Exception 3 applies because there is no contiguous 80 ft² block; therefore no PV required under Exception 3 to § 140.10(a).
(If you need a worked numeric example using Table 140.10‑A values or the Equation result for a specific building type/climate zone, provide the building type and climate zone and I will compute the Equation result — note the table was not available in the retrieved files.)
Related provisions
- § 140.10(a) — Photovoltaic prescriptive requirements, Equation 140.10‑A, and Exceptions 1–5 (primary controlling section).
- § 150.1(c)14 — Single‑family residential PV sizing and similar exceptions (includes steep‑roof north azimuth rule and a 1.8 kW dc minimum for some residential cases). Useful for comparison to single‑family rules.
- § 170.2(f)/(g) — Multifamily PV sizing and exceptions (similar 3% / 4 kW / 80 ft² exceptions appear in multi‑family rules). Refer here when working on multifamily up to 3 stories or other multifamily tables.
- CBC § 503.1.4 — occupied roof definition referenced by SARA exclusions (occupied roofs are excluded from SARA). See SARA exclusions in § 140.10(a).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 140.10 High relevance — show source text
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.
(b) Battery energy storage system (BESS) requirements. All buildings that are required by Section 140.10(a) to have a PV system shall also have a BESS meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA12. The rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity determined using Equation 140.10-B or 140.10-C if SARA was used to determine the PV capacity in Section 140.10(a). The rated power capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Power Capacity determined using Equation 140.10-D. In mixed occupancy buildings, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying the Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity to each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.
EQUATION 140.10-B—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY kWh batt = [(CFA × B)/(1,000 × C [0.5] )]
EQUATION 140.10-C—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA-ADJUSTED kWh batt = [(CFA × B)/(1,000 × C [0.5] )] x (kW PVdc,SARA /kW PVdc )
where:
kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.
CFA = Conditioned floor area that is subject to the PV system requirements of Section 140.10(a) in square feet.
§ 150.1 High 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.
§ 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.
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.
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
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
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.
§ 1511.10. High relevance — show source text
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.
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.
§ 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.
§ 405.5.3 High relevance — show source text
405.5.3,_
A5.405.5.3.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Concrete manufacture, High strength concrete|A5.405.5.3,
A5.405.5.3.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Concrete manufacture, Later ages of maturity|A5.405.5.3,
A5.405.5.3.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Concrete manufacture, Returned fresh concrete|A5.405.5.3,
A5.405.5.3.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Choice of materials|A5.406.1, A5.406.1.1,
A5.406.1.2,
A5.406.1.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Whole
building life cycle assessment, Tier 1 with Exception, Veri-
fication of compliance|A5.409.1, A5.409.2,
A5.409.2.1,
A5.409.2.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Product
GWP compliance – prescriptive path with Exception and
Exception Equation, Verification of compliance, Product
GWP Limits Tier 1 Table with footnotes|A5.409.1, A5.409.3,
A5.409.3.1,
A5.409.3.2,
Table A5.409.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Whole building life cycle assessment of additional
impacts, Impacts to be considered|_A5.409.4, A5.409.4.§ 0.266 High relevance — show source text
099 × 0.266 head diameter)|4|3| |60|24/0|3/8|8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)|6|4| |70|24/16|7/16|8d common
(21/2× 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)|4|4| |70|24/16|7/16|10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)|6|4| |80|24/16|7/16|8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)|4|4| |80|24/16|7/16|10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)|6|4| |90|32/16|15/32|8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)|4|3| |90|32/16|15/32|10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)|6|4| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Fasteners shall comply with Sections R703.3.2 and R703.3.3.
b. Maximum spacing of exterior soffit framing members shall not exceed 24 inches.
c. Wood structural panels shall be of an exterior exposure grade.
d. Wood structural panels shall be installed with strength axis perpendicular to supports with not fewer than two continuous spans.
e. Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger. Where the specific gravity of exterior soffit framing members is greater
than or equal to 0.35 but less than 0.42 in accordance with AWC NDS, the fastener spacing shall be multiplied by 0.67 or the same fastener spacing as prescribed for galvanized
steel nails shall be permitted to be used where RSRS-01 (2-inch by 0.099-inch by 0.266-inch head) nails replace 6d box nails and RSRS-03 (21/2-inch × 0.131-inch × 0.281-inch
head) nails replace 8d common nails or 10d box nails. RSRS is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667. Framing members shall be mini-
mum 2 × 3 nominal with the larger dimension in the cross section aligning with the length of fasteners to provide sufficient embedment depths.
f. Spacing at intermediate supports shall be not greater than 12 inches on center.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Fasteners shall comply with Sections R703.3.2 and R703.3.3.
b. Maximum spacing of exterior soffit framing members shall not exceed 24 inches.
c. Wood structural panels shall be of an exterior exposure grade.
d. Wood structural panels shall be installed with strength axis perpendicular to supports with not fewer than two continuous spans.
e. Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger.§ 130.5 High relevance — show source text
(a) Service electrical metering. Each electrical service or feeder shall have a permanently installed metering system which measures electrical energy use in accordance with Table 130.5-A.
Exception 1 to Section 130.5(a): Service or feeder for which the utility company provides a metering system that indicates instantaneous kW demand and kWh for a utility-defined period.
Exception 2 to Section 130.5(a): Electrical power distribution systems subject to California Electrical Code Article 517.
TABLE 130.5-A—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR METERING OF ELECTRICAL LOAD Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 METERING FUNCTIONALITY ELECTRICAL
SERVICES RATED
50 kVA OR LESSELECTRICAL SERVICES
RATED MORE THAN 50 kVA
AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
TO 250 kVAELECTRICAL SERVICES
RATED MORE THAN 250 kVA
AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
TO 1000 kVAELECTRICAL
SERVICES RATED
MORE THAN 1000
kVAInstantaneous (at the time) kW
demandRequired Required Required Required Historical peak demand (kW) Not required Not required Required Required Tracking kWh for a user-definable
periodRequired Required Required Required kWh per rate period Not required Not required Not required Required (b) Separation of electrical circuits for electrical energy monitoring. Electrical power distribution systems shall be designed so that measurement devices can monitor the electrical energy usage of load types according to Table 130.5-B.
Exception 1 to Section 130.5(b): For each separate load type, up to 10 percent of the connected load may be of any type.
Exception 2 to Section 130.5(b): Electrical power distribution systems subject to California Electrical Code Article 517.
TABLE 130.5-B—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPARATION OF ELECTRICAL LOAD Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 ELECTRICAL LOAD TYPE ELECTRICAL
SERVICES
RATED 50
kVA OR LESSELECTRICAL SERVICES
RATED MORE THAN 50 kVA
AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
TO 250 kVAELECTRICAL SERVICES
RATED MORE THAN 250 kVA
AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
TO 1000 kVAELECTRICAL SERVICES
RATED MORE THAN
1000 kVALighting including exit and egress lighting
and exterior lightingNot required All lighting in aggregate All lighting disaggregated
by floor, type or areaAll lighting
disaggregated by floor,
type or areaHVAC systems and components including
chillers, fans, heaters, furnaces, package
units,§ 406.1.3 High relevance — show source text
406.1.3_||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Whole
building life cycle assessment, Tier 1 with Exception, Veri-
fication of compliance|A5.409.1, A5.409.2,
A5.409.2.1,
A5.409.2.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Product
GWP compliance – prescriptive path with Exception and
Exception Equation, Verification of compliance, Product
GWP Limits Tier 1 Table with footnotes|A5.409.1, A5.409.3,
A5.409.3.1,
A5.409.3.2,
Table A5.409.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conserva-
tion and
Resource
Efficiency|Select One Elective|Elective|Whole building life cycle assessment of additional
impacts, Impacts to be considered|A5.409.4, A5.409.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Fireplaces|5.503.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Woodstoves|5.503.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Temporary ventilation|5.504.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Covering of ducts openings and protection of mechani-
cal equipment during construction|5.504.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Adhesives, sealants and caulks|5.504.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|**DIVISION 5.§ 140.9 High relevance — show source text
- 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.
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.
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.
§ 0.42 High relevance — show source text
Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger. Where the specific gravity of exterior soffit framing members is greater
than or equal to 0.35 but less than 0.42 in accordance with AWC NDS, the fastener spacing shall be multiplied by 0.67 or the same fastener spacing as prescribed for galvanized
steel nails shall be permitted to be used where RSRS-01 (2-inch by 0.099-inch by 0.266-inch head) nails replace 6d box nails and RSRS-03 (21/2-inch × 0.131-inch × 0.281-inch
head) nails replace 8d common nails or 10d box nails. RSRS is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667. Framing members shall be mini-
mum 2 × 3 nominal with the larger dimension in the cross section aligning with the length of fasteners to provide sufficient embedment depths.
f. Spacing at intermediate supports shall be not greater than 12 inches on center.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Fasteners shall comply with Sections R703.3.2 and R703.3.3.
b. Maximum spacing of exterior soffit framing members shall not exceed 24 inches.
c. Wood structural panels shall be of an exterior exposure grade.
d. Wood structural panels shall be installed with strength axis perpendicular to supports with not fewer than two continuous spans.
e. Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger. Where the specific gravity of exterior soffit framing members is greater
than or equal to 0.35 but less than 0.42 in accordance with AWC NDS, the fastener spacing shall be multiplied by 0.67 or the same fastener spacing as prescribed for galvanized
steel nails shall be permitted to be used where RSRS-01 (2-inch by 0.099-inch by 0.266-inch head) nails replace 6d box nails and RSRS-03 (21/2-inch × 0.131-inch × 0.281-inch
head) nails replace 8d common nails or 10d box nails. RSRS is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667. Framing members shall be mini-
mum 2 × 3 nominal with the larger dimension in the cross section aligning with the length of fasteners to provide sufficient embedment depths.
f. Spacing at intermediate supports shall be not greater than 12 inches on center.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Fasteners shall comply with Sections R703.3.2 and R703.3.3.
b. Maximum spacing of exterior soffit framing members shall not exceed 24 inches.
c. Wood structural panels shall be of an exterior exposure grade.
d. Wood structural panels shall be installed with strength axis perpendicular to supports with not fewer than two continuous spans.
e. Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger.
Frequently asked questions
When I compute SARA, do I include small separated roofs that together add to 80 ft²?
No — the Exception 3 test requires 80 contiguous ft². Separate small islands that do not form one contiguous 80‑ft² area do not meet the contiguous requirement. See Exception 3 to § 140.10(a).
Which number do I compare to the 4 kW threshold (Exception 2)?
Compare the required PV capacity after the code’s sizing logic (the smaller of Equation § 140.10(a) result or SARA×factor). If that resulting required capacity is < 4 kW dc, Exception 2 applies.
Is shaded roof area always excluded from SARA?
Roof areas with less than 70% annual solar access are excluded from SARA; the annual solar access calculation accounts for shading obstructions per § 140.10(a).
Can the local building official exempt a PV requirement for snow/structure reasons?
Yes. Exception 4 to § 140.10(a) allows the enforcement authority to approve an exception where the PV system cannot meet ASCE 7‑16 Chapter 7 snow load requirements for panels, supports, and attachments. That approval is at the AHJ’s discretion and should be documented.
Does the 3% test apply to residential rules too?
A similar percentage‑type exclusion (80 ft² and other exceptions) appears in other sections (see § 150.1(c)14 and § 170.2), but the numeric thresholds (for example 1.8 kW dc in some residential exceptions) differ by section. Always confirm which Title 24 section applies to your occupancy.
More in California Energy Code
- Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements
- Controls, commissioning, demand-response, sensors, and field verification/diagnostic testing
- Domestic hot water systems, efficiency, controls and installation requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, EV charging readiness, load management and demand controls
- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
- HVAC systems, ventilation rates, ducting, controls and testing
- Interior and exterior lighting power, controls and daylighting requirements
- Mandatory measures, appliance efficiency and certification requirements
- Photovoltaic requirements, BESS (battery energy storage) sizing and SARA procedures
- Reference appendices, test procedures, product certification and labeling requirements
- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
Ask about the California Energy Code
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Energy Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial