Hey all. I'm planning to build a detached ADU on my primary residence lot as a way to begin my REI goals.
I know that California, under Title 24, now requires any newly built, detached ADU's to include solar panels. What I'm unclear about is whether or not the ADU would be exempt from that requirement if the primary house on the same lot already has solar panels installed on it. Does anyone know if that exempts the solar on the detached ADU I'm building? I read a couple articles that seemed like it was suggesting solar might be exempt from the detached ADU in that case.
Are you converting a garage into an adu or building new construction. It seems that on a conversion you are exempt on adding the solar. If it's detached new construction, it seems like it is exempt if it's mostly shaded by trees or buildings and it couldn't produce enough energy. Also it seems like their may be an option to just add panels on to your existing solar system if it's not exempt.
I would check this website, seems like they are giving out good advice, and you can also call the Energy Standards Hotline at 800- 772-3300. Hope this helps
First off, it will almost always be cheaper to convert a garage into an ADU than it would be to do one from scratch and it wouldn't require solar panels. Just something to consider.
If you are going to try to utilize the existing solar panels, then it wouldn't make sense to split the electric meter. That might play a role in whether or not you have to add it and a question you would need to ask.
Also note that building codes change all the time. What we say today may change literally tomorrow. You can talk to an architect to see what they say.