California Solar Shade Law

Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act.

California solar shade law.

Under the solar shade control act california public resources code 25980 et seq a tree or shrub cannot cast a shadow greater than 10 percent of a solar collector absorption area upon that solar collector surface at any one time between the hours of 10 a m. 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. And 2 p.

California civil code sections 714 and 714 1 california civil code section 801 california civil code section 801 5 california government code section 65850 5 california health and safety code section. 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. Also in 1978 the state passed the california solar shade act. Local standard time if the tree or shrub is placed after installation of a solar collector.

If california s climate friendly energy policies can continue to support a healthy economy the often made claim that climate regulations stifle economic growth just doesn t add up. The appendix section 6 provides other informative resources related to the act and the full text of the act. The solar rights act comprises the following california sections of law. Section 4 discusses california case law under the act.

Solar shade control act energy policy initiatives center 2 3. Earlier this month california became the first state to require all new homes to have solar power. California s public resources code 25980 contains the solar shade control act which encourages the use of trees and other natural shading except in cases where the shading may interfere with the use of active and passive solar systems on adjacent properties. After the installation of a solar collector a person owning or in control of another property shall not allow a tree or shrub to be placed or if placed to grow on that property so as to cast a shadow greater than 10 percent of the collector absorption area upon that solar collector surface at any one time between the hours of 10 a m.

It protects homeowners investments in solar panels which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. California solar shade act. Solar shade control notice. California could prove to the nation and the world that investing in solar infrastructure is worth it.