CALIFORNIA ENERGY MANDATES

Title 24 & CALGreen — what California's solar mandate means for your build.

California requires solar, and increasingly battery and EV-charging infrastructure, on a growing list of new construction and major renovation projects. We build mandate compliance into the design from day one, so it never becomes a late-stage scramble.

WHY MANDATE COMPLIANCE MATTERS

Stay ahead of the code, avoid costly rework

California's Title 24 and CALGreen codes are among the most ambitious energy mandates in the country. They require solar PV on most new residential construction, and recently expanded to include battery-ready infrastructure and EV-charging spaces for certain building types. Failing to meet these requirements can delay occupancy and add significant costs.

  • Solar PV required – Most new single-family homes and low-rise multifamily must have solar.
  • Battery-ready – Certain projects require electrical infrastructure for future battery installation.
  • EV charging – CALGreen mandates EV-capable spaces based on parking count and building use.
  • Climate zone dependent – Requirements vary by California climate zone and building type.
GET THE TEAM INVOLVED EARLY

Design for compliance before construction starts

The most expensive time to discover a mandate conflict is during a plan check or, worse, after framing begins. We integrate solar, storage, and EV infrastructure into your architectural and MEP plans from the outset, confirming that service capacity, roof space, and parking layouts all align with the code.

PV sizingBased on building type and climate zone
Battery-readyElectrical capacity and space reserved
EV spacesNumber required by CALGreen
DocumentationAll compliance forms and stamped plans
FAQs

Common questions about California mandates

Do these mandates apply to renovations?

Sometimes – major additions or alterations that increase conditioned floor area may trigger compliance requirements.

What if my project is in a different climate zone?

The required PV capacity and storage provisions vary by climate zone. We size accordingly.

Can I opt out of the solar mandate?

There are limited exceptions – such as shaded roofs or structural constraints – but these require documented justification.

Do you provide the compliance forms?

Yes – we include all required compliance documentation with your permit package.

Building in California? Confirm your mandate obligations early.

Send us your building type, unit count, and climate zone — we'll tell you exactly what Title 24 and CALGreen require.