Energy Generation & Storage
Renewable Energy Procurement, Solar PV, and Battery Storage Systems
Compliance
Statewide Regulations
100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (SB 100)
Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act of 2022 (SB 1020)
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By 2035, 100% of electricity procured to serve all state agencies must come from renewable energy and zero-carbon resources.
2022 Energy Code: Solar PV and Battery Storage (DSA)
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2022 California Energy Code Title 24 Part 6 Section 410-10
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Solar Panels (PV) and companion Battery Storage is required for newly constructed buildings
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There are some exceptions (most straight forward is building size)
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California Energy Commission website has Nonresidential Compliance Manual (chapter 9) that is helpful
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DSA will check projects for general compliance. If solar/battery is required and not included in the initial submittal, the project will be considered incomplete for plan review
Solar PV (DSA)
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IR N-3 Energy Code Requirements for Photovoltaic and Battery Storage
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As of January 1, 2023, California Energy Code requires that PV and battery systems to be installed on all new buildings.
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PV systems must comply with 2022 CBC
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DSA developed and published IR 16-8 in 2008 to assist designers in understanding Structural, Fire and Access code requirements as well as DSA submittal process
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IR 16-8 was updated in 2024 and provides 2022 CBC compliance requirements
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Existing campus sized solar PV may be used for new construction PV requirements.
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Requires substantiation of power generation through DSA 1-AMM-PV
Battery Storage (DSA)
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IR N-3 Energy Code Requirements for Photovoltaic and Battery Storage
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As of January 1, 2023, California Energy Code requires that PV and battery systems to be installed on all new buildings.
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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) must comply with 2022 CBC
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DSA published IR N-4 early in 2023 to assist designers in understanding Structural and Fire Code requirements as well as DSA submittal requirements. Interpretation of Regulations (IR) N-4: Modular Battery Energy Storage Systems: 2022 CBC and CFC.
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This IR clarifies structural and fire and life safety (FLS) design requirements as well as identifying what shall be included in the construction documents. This includes the requirements for flood design, tests, and special inspections, FLS compliance, as well as exceptions that may be used for battery energy storage systems. This IR also clarifies the seismic design or alternative shake table testing requirements of premanufactured modules and the internal components for seismic loading.
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IR N-4 is for prefabricated BESS that are not on or inside a building
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Structural Codes - 2022 CBC and ASCE 7-16
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Fire Life Safety Code – 2022 California Fire Code (CFC 1207)
2026 Benchmark
2030 Build and Institutionalize
2035 Improve and Reassess
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Benchmark % of energy that comes from Natural Gas
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Benchmark % of energy that comes from Renewable Energy
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Reduce Natural Gas usage in buildings by 30% from benchmark
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50% of energy comes from Renewable Energy
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Reduce Natural Gas usage in buildings by 75% from benchmark
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100% of energy comes from Renewable Energy
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The CSU will pursue energy procurement and production to reduce energy capacity requirements from fossil fuels, enhance electrical demand flexibility, and promote energy resilience using available economically feasible technology for on-site renewable generation, microgrids, and other fossil fuel-free energy storage solutions. The CSU shall endeavor to increase its self-generated renewable energy and battery capacity from 32 to 80 megawatts (MW) by 2030.
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The CSU will consider cost effective opportunities to exceed the State of California and California Public Utilities Commission Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) sooner than the established goal of procuring 60 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 consistent with SB 100 (PUC§399.11).
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To minimize use of natural gas, campuses will transition from fossil-fuel sourced equipment to electric equipment as replacements or renovations are needed. Any in-kind fossil-fuel sourced equipment will be justified through an analysis which demonstrates why that solution represents the most cost-effective option and what alternatives were analyzed for comparative purposes. The intention of this item shall be limited to no new investment in, or renewal of, natural gas assets or infrastructure as part of campus projects starting July 1, 2035, with the exception of critical academic program needs.