California Solar Access Law

Earlier this month california became the first state to require all new homes to have solar power.

California solar access law. California s success is due in large part by the enactment of several major laws which guarantee unrestricted access to the power of the sun dating as far back as 1978. Section 2 provides a brief overview of the act s key provisions. In addition all property owners in the golden state enjoy solar easement rights which they can carry out on a case by case basis with. California established the solar rights act in 1978 which limits the ability of hoas and local governments to prevent the installation of solar panel systems.

California s solar access laws by kurt newick andy black california has several laws designed to encourage solar access and prevent restrictions on solar energy systems. Access the guide. Part of the motivation for the new policy is california s. Solar rights act amended in 2004 by ab 2473 civil code.

The solar easement law. Section 3 discusses the ability of cc rs such as those enforced by hoas to restrict solar energy. States that residents have the right of receiving sunlight and it shall be referred to as a solar easement. The mandate which comes from the california energy commission cec will take effect in 2020 making solar power even more common in a state that already boasts about half the country s solar generating capacity.

The solar rights act comprises the following california sections of law. And application of california s primary solar access law. These laws address municipal restrictions residential landscaping and homeowner association restrictions. Solar easement means the right of receiving sunlight across real.

Similar to part 2 of the solar rights act above this law protects homeowner s access to sunshine protecting the solar panels from shading caused by trees or other growth on neighbors property. Solar panel access laws for hoas. Solar providers submitting applications to interconnect residential solar customers in the service areas of pacific gas and electric company pg e southern california edison sce and san diego gas electric sdg e are required to collect customer initials and a signature on the california solar consumer protection guide.