You’ll need to navigate the complexities of water rights laws, permitting requirements, and even then might still find your water source running dry. As a result, getting water for an off-grid property in CA can be incredibly problematic or expensive. If you want to connect the wind system to the grid, the utility companies cannot impose insurance requirements on you.ĭrought is a serious problem in California, and the state does not have enough water to meet growing demands. On parcels of 5 acres, the maximum turbine height is 80 feet. You only need a minimum of 1 acre of property to install a wind energy system of up to 65 feet. Under California law, a small wind energy system is defined as one in which the combined capacity of all turbines does not exceed 50 kilowatts. This actually makes it much easier to install an off-grid wind energy system in California than in other areas of the country. While the laws and code requirements are strict, they are very clear. By contrast, California has very detailed laws about which types of wind power systems are legal. Many places in the United States still haven’t addressed small residential wind turbines in their laws. This California Solar Permitting Guidebook is a good place to start. There is net metering for grid-tied systems. If you decide to connect your solar system to the grid, you will also need an interconnection inspection and approval from the utility company. California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9.California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5.California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3.California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5(One- and Two-family dwellings).California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2.Your system will need to meet all of these requirements: The solar mandate also applies to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), so you’ll need solar panels on your “granny flat,” too.Įven though California is very friendly towards off-grid solar, it is still the strictest state in America regarding code requirements. The system must be able to meet all of the estimated annual energy consumption of the home. As of 2020, all new homes up to three stories high must have a solar photovoltaic system installed. Solar Laws in CaliforniaĬalifornia is one of the best states for solar power. The law required residential homes to have an “interconnection pathway.” However, the law has recently been updated and now specifically allows off-grid electricity. Off-grid electricity used to be illegal in California under Title 24. You might also find it useful to read: Homestead Declarations Explained Off-Grid Electricity in California You’ll need to do a lot of research to figure out what is allowed in the area, especially if you choose to use any alternative building materials, live in a mobile home or tiny home, or have multiple accessory dwellings. Local zoning laws can vary drastically between counties. These laws might make it illegal to live the type of off-grid life you want on your property. All areas of California are subject to some type of zoning. Zoning laws are local laws that dictate everything from setbacks to how many chickens you are allowed to have on your property. California Zoning Laws and Off-Grid Living You may also encounter a law that requires you to connect to the municipal sewer system if one is located nearby, which would thus make it illegal for you to go completely off-grid in CA. Getting water rights can be problematic, and there’s currently no guarantee that wells won’t go dry. However, you’ll have to meet extremely strict building codes and get a permit for nearly everything. State laws are generally very friendly towards off-grid living. Off-grid living is usually legal in California.
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