Does California require solar-ready and EV-ready on my remodel?
Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated
Short answer
Yes. Title 24 2022 and 2025 standards require solar-photovoltaic readiness on most new residential construction and some substantial additions; EV charging circuits are required on new construction and triggered by major electrical service upgrades. A simple kitchen refresh usually does not trigger either mandate; an addition over a threshold square footage or a full-service panel replacement can. DSD confirms applicability at plan review.
In detail
California now requires solar-PV readiness and EV-charging readiness on most residential construction, and San Diego enforces both through Development Services Department (DSD) plan review. The mandate flows from the 2022 Title 24 California Energy Code (Part 6) and the 2025 update, which together set zero-net-energy targets for low-rise residential buildings and require either onsite solar or community-solar offset for new dwellings. Section 150.1(c)14 of the Energy Code triggers the PV requirement on new construction and on additions that exceed defined conditioned-floor-area thresholds. EV-readiness is governed by California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) Section 4.106.4, which requires at least one Level 2 (208/240V, 40A) raceway and panel capacity to a designated parking space on every new single-family dwelling. A simple kitchen refresh almost never trips either rule, but a primary-suite addition over roughly 700 square feet, a full main-service-panel replacement, or a substantial alteration that touches the building envelope can pull both requirements into scope. DSD intake checks Title 24 compliance documentation (Form CF1R-PRF-01-E for performance method, CF1R-PRF-01 prescriptive) at plan submittal, and final inspection verifies the EV raceway exists and the panel reserves the required busbar capacity. San Diego layers a local Climate Action Plan checklist on top of state code, so plan review will also confirm cool-roof, water-budget, and EV-readiness all align with the 2030 carbon-neutral pathway. Practically, the cleanest move is to confirm scope with DSD pre-submittal: a planner can tell you in 10 minutes whether your addition crosses the threshold, which avoids a redesign loop after permit intake. We always front-load that conversation before drafting structural plans, because retrofit solar conduit and EV raceway are dramatically cheaper to rough-in than to retrofit through finished drywall. Code paths and forms change between 2022 and 2025 cycles, so verify the current adopted version on the date your permit is issued.
Sources
How AskBaily helps
AskBaily scopes your project in one chat — permit flags, cost range, and timeline — then routes you to one licensed contractor whose license we verify live. No shared leads, no racing against seven other bidders, no lead fees to your pro.