On-site power through solar has many advantages such as flexibility, reliability, and efficiency. For one, solar can produce a whole day’s worth of energy needs from peak sunlight hours alone. Of course, that depends on the location, size of the building, energy usage, and system effectiveness. Factors such as seasons and peak times can make solar more inconsistent if the whole system is designed poorly. “The amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s consumption for a full year” as reported by the U.S. Solar Energy Technologies Office. Pairing solar with high-capacity battery storage and a balanced system is the most effective. Other advancements, such as load tiering, distinguish between high-priority energy needs (like refrigeration) versus low-priority needs. Flexible systems protect the owner.

Along those lines, solar provides energy that consumers can depend on. Natural disasters occur, power goes out, and terrorist threats become real. In times of disaster, owners can have the peace of mind that they still operate in “island mode”. That’s why more hospitals, schools, and public services are leaning towards renewable energy and microgrid designs. Not to mention, excess energy can even be transferred within a neighborhood or community. What an excellent example of how solar can benefit networks of energy consumers.

Lastly, efficiency is an important element of solar that can reduce energy bills. As electric rates continue to rise, a solar consumer can rely on a consistently low rate. The average Californian can save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the panels. Even better, investors can profit from the Net Energy Metering Tariff. Utilities will pay bill credits to collect surplus energy produced through solar. Using less energy than the panels produce will maximize the Return on Investment.

Title 24 Requirements for Solar Ready Area & Solar Panels:

2016-2019 Solar Ready Area

Section 110.10 of the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards writes out solar-ready requirements. New or altered buildings must have at least 250 square feet of unobstructed space. For single-family homes, the zone is located on the roof or overhang. Any other types of structures may satisfy this standard with an accessory unit located within 250 feet. Multi-family and commercial buildings must assign at least 15% of the roof to solar. Naturally, the solar zone cannot impede skylights or smoke ventilation. California took this step to prepare its residents for the next stage, which will require that solar panels be installed in all new construction.