Quick Guide to Off-Grid Solar Systems in California & Beyond

Reviewed by Maxwell Harris, Quality Assurance Electrician for GreenLancer

Many potential solar clients dream of living off-grid because they want to be self-sufficient and have greater energy freedom. While an off-grid lifestyle is appealing to some, California off-grid laws and regulations make it important to understand if off-grid solar is legal in California and what permits might be needed before disconnecting from utilities.

Living with an off-grid solar system requires more diligence regarding available sunshine, power loads, and battery capacity than a grid-tied home. Off-grid solar requirements in California vary significantly by location. Local jurisdictions may have specific off-grid solar system requirements, and while rural areas might have fewer regulations for off the grid systems, urban areas typically require building and electrical permits for off-grid solar California installations. These permits ensure that your off the grid solar energy system complies with local building codes and safety standards.

Does off-grid solar need a permit in California? In most cases, yes. Before installing an off-grid solar system, check with your local building department about off-grid solar requirements and necessary documentation. Living with off-grid solar in California usually involves some lifestyle sacrifices.

Unless the solar PV system has extensive capacity or a backup generator, it probably can't power an air conditioner or an electric range. If there are several cloudy days in a row, occupants might need to scale down the use of specific power loads to meet off the grid system requirements. In many cases, having some gas-powered appliances, such as a stove and water heater, is helpful for an off-grid solar California setup, but this still involves reliance on fossil fuels.

What is an Off-Grid Solar System?

Off the grid solar energy systems contain solar panels, an inverter, and solar batteries to store power. Unlike solar arrays with battery backup, off-grid systems are installed on homes not connected to the power grid. In some cases, off-grid properties also use backup generators to supply additional power when needed, especially during prolonged periods of cloudy weather. Off-grid solar systems make the most economic sense when it is costly to extend the power grid to the home.

Installing off-grid solar projects can boost your renewable energy business. Solar installers who live in areas with rural populations might find a strong demand for off-grid solar projects. Also, many other solar companies don’t specialize in these systems, so it can be a way to establish a niche market with little competition.

Does Off-Grid Solar Need a Permit? - Off-Grid System Requirements

The solar permitting requirements for off-grid solar vary widely. If your client lives in a rural area, there might not be any permitting requirements. This is good news because it saves installers time, money, and hassle.

However, urban installations typically involve permits, including inspections to verify compliance with electrical and building codes for off the grid system requirements. When in doubt, determine if the town or municipality requires solar permits for off-grid PV systems. If a building permit is needed, the city will likely require an inspection after installing the solar PV system to ensure that the system meets electrical and building codes.

Although most electrical and building code requirements are standard, some details can vary depending on local requirements. Because off-grid solar power systems are not connected to the power grid, no utility interconnection permit is needed from the utility company. Also, the system doesn't qualify for net metering because it isn't connected to the utility grid.

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California Off-Grid Solar Laws

Permitting for off-grid solar systems in California can vary significantly by municipality. Many rural areas may have minimal requirements, while urban areas often have stringent regulations. The California Solar Permitting Guidebook emphasizes the importance of checking local regulations, as most cities require a building permit and an electrical permit. It also states that no solar interconnection approval is needed for off-grid solar systems in California.

Also, California's statewide Solar Rights Act helps streamline the process by limiting the local government’s ability to impose overly burdensome requirements. Installers should always consult local building departments for specific guidelines and inspection requirements.

Applying For Off the Grid Solar Energy Permits

If solar permits are necessary for off-grid PV installations in your area, contact the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The solar permitting process and requirements vary widely between towns, so it's critical to know the process in the given jurisdiction.

Some building departments have online platforms for solar permit applications, while others require paperwork. The permitting fees for solar systems also vary widely and are designed to fund the permitting and inspection process.

In some areas, merely listing the solar panels, inverter, racking system, charge controller, solar batteries, and project cost might be enough for the off-grid solar permitting application. In other towns, town officials may require solar line diagrams and equipment spec sheets.

NEC Requirements for Off-grid Solar Systems

The National Electrical Code (NEC) includes specific requirements for off the grid solar energy installations to ensure safety and compliance. Here are some key NEC requirements for off-grid solar systems in California and beyond:

1. Off-grid Solar System Grounding:

   • Off-grid solar systems must have a grounding electrode system connected to the system's grounding conductor. This ensures proper grounding to prevent electrical hazards (NEC 690.47).

2. Disconnects and Overcurrent Protection:

   • The NEC requires readily accessible disconnects for all ungrounded conductors in off-grid solar systems. These disconnects must be clearly marked and easily operated (NEC 690.13).

   • Overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) are necessary to protect conductors and equipment from excessive currents (NEC 690.9).

3. Off-grid Battery Installations:

   • Batteries used in off-grid solar systems must comply with NEC requirements regarding location, ventilation, and protection from physical damage (NEC 480.9).

   • Battery interconnections must use conductors sized according to the system’s voltage and current requirements (NEC 690.71).

4. Wiring Methods:

   • Proper wiring methods must be used, including appropriate conductor types and installation methods to ensure safe operation (NEC 690.31).

   • Conduits and cable trays must be installed according to NEC guidelines to protect against physical damage and environmental factors (NEC 300).

5. Solar Inverter Requirements:

   • Off-grid solar inverters must meet NEC requirements for overcurrent protection, disconnects, and grounding. They should be listed and labeled by a recognized testing laboratory (NEC 690.60).

   • Inverter output circuits must be properly sized and protected (NEC 690.64).

6. Markings and Labels:

   • All components of the off-grid solar system must be clearly marked and labeled to indicate their function and any hazards (NEC 690.56).

   • Labels must be durable and weather-resistant to remain legible throughout the system’s life (NEC 110.21).

7. Arc Fault and Ground Fault Protection:

   • Off-grid solar systems in California and throughout the U.S. must include protection against arc faults and ground faults to prevent fires and electrical shocks (NEC 690.11 and 690.5).

8. Rapid Shutdown Requirements:

   • Although primarily for grid-tied systems, off-grid systems with certain configurations may also need to comply with rapid shutdown requirements to ensure safe shutdown during emergencies (NEC 690.12).

For more detailed information, refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023, which outlines off-grid solar requirements in California and other states.

FAQs on Off-grid Solar Systems in California & Beyond

Read on to learn more about off the grid solar energy installations in California and beyond.

Can I install solar panels without a permit?

In most places, including California, installing solar panels without a permit is not advisable and is likely illegal. Solar panel permits are typically required to ensure that solar installations comply with building and electrical codes, local building regulations, and zoning ordinances. Always check with your local building department or relevant authorities to understand and adhere to the permitting requirements in your area. Whereas permits are required for grid-tied solar panel systems, off-grid systems in rural areas may not require solar panel permits.

How do off-grid system requirements work?

For off-grid solar panel installations where permits are required, the permitting process typically involves submitting an application to the local building department. The solar permit application includes system specifications, electrical plans, and details about the installation.

After review, the local authorities issue a permit if the installation complies with safety codes and regulations. It's crucial to check with the specific jurisdiction for their requirements and procedures, which may also require a solar system inspection for the permit approval process.

Can off-grid solar systems power cell towers?

Off-grid solar systems can power cell towers effectively. They utilize solar panels to generate electricity, which is stored in batteries for continuous operation, even in remote locations without access to the grid. This setup ensures reliable communication services while reducing reliance on traditional power sources and minimizing environmental impact.

Is off-grid solar legal in California?

Off-grid solar panel systems are legal in California, but you may need to obtain a solar permit and follow certain guidelines and building codes. Per the 2022 California Electrical Code, the solar installer must be a licensed C-10 or C-46 contractor. In addition, off-grid solar equipment, including off-grid solar panels and inverters, must comply with specific standards set by bodies like the California Energy Commission. These standards ensure that off-grid solar equipment is safe, reliable, and effective.

Are there monitoring systems for off-grid solar power systems?

Solar system monitoring is available for off-grid solar systems. These monitoring systems track the performance and energy production of off-grid solar panels, allowing users to monitor their system's health and efficiency. Off-grid solar monitoring can include real-time data on energy production, battery charge levels, and system performance.

Some monitoring systems even provide alerts or notifications when there are issues or anomalies with the off-grid solar system. These monitoring solutions help off-grid solar system owners optimize their energy usage and identify any potential problems promptly.

What states have the most off-grid solar?

Some states with significant off-grid solar installations include:

• Alaska: Given its remote locations and limited grid infrastructure, Alaska has a significant number of off-grid solar power systems. These installations provide essential electricity to properties that are not connected to the main power grid.

• Arizona: Due to its abundance of sunshine and remote desert regions, Arizona is popular for off-grid solar. These installations provide power to off-grid properties, including ranches, farms, and recreational sites.

• California: Although California is primarily known for its grid-tied solar installations, it also boasts many off-grid solar systems. These systems are commonly used in remote areas or for specialized purposes such as agricultural operations or rural cabins.

• Colorado: Its scenic and remote locations make it an ideal candidate for off-grid solar systems. These installations are common in mountainous areas and cabins, providing electricity for off-grid living or vacation properties.

• Texas: With its vast landmass and areas far from the grid, Texas has seen a notable increase in off-grid solar installations. These systems offer energy independence and reliability in areas where grid electricity may be less accessible.

  
  

Do I need a backup generator for off-grid solar?

Although a backup generator is not mandatory for off-grid solar systems, it can be a useful addition to ensure a continuous power supply during extended cloudy periods or high energy demand. The decision to include a backup generator depends on factors such as your energy needs, location, and the reliability of your solar and battery storage system. A generator provides a dependable source of electricity during times when solar energy and stored battery capacity may be insufficient.

Can I use SolarAPP+ for off-grid solar permits in California?

SolarAPP+ is designed to automate and streamline the permitting process for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, primarily focusing on rooftop installations with and without energy storage. However, it currently does not support applications for off-grid solar systems. While the platform facilitates projects that comply with standard building, electrical, and fire codes, off-grid installations typically have distinct requirements and are often governed by local regulations.

Serving the Off-Grid Solar Market

Although the idea of living with an off-grid solar system in California offers an enticing vision of self-sufficiency and energy independence, it comes with unique challenges and regulatory considerations. If you serve the off-grid solar market in California and beyond, you must navigate varying local permitting requirements and ensure the systems comply with building and electrical code requirements.

For solar permitting needs, GreenLancer’s marketplace has a network of licensed solar designers and engineers who specialize in AHJs all across the U.S. Obtain permit-ready solar plan sets, PE stamps, solar engineering reviews, and more. Connect with a rep today by filling out the form below.