BILL ANALYSIS
SB 1534
Page A
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 1534 (Bowen)
As Amended June 13, 2002
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :35-0
UTILITIES AND COMMERCE 15-0
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|Ayes:|Wright, Pescetti, | | |
| |Calderon, | | |
| |Bill Campbell, John | | |
| |Campbell, Canciamilla, | | |
| |Cardenas, Horton, Kelley, | | |
| |La Suer, Maddox, Nation, | | |
| |Papan, Reyes, Simitian | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires solar energy systems to meet specified
standards. Specifically, this bill :
1)Specifies that solar collectors shall meet applicable
standards and requirements imposed by state and local
permitting authorities.
2)Requires solar energy systems to be certified by the Solar
Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC)<1> or other nationally
recognized rating agency.
3)Requires installed solar energy systems to also meet
applicable safety and performance standards established by the
National Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories
such as Underwriters Laboratories, and, where applicable,
rules of the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
regarding safety and reliability.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Regards as void and unenforceable any covenant, condition or
restriction (CC&R) contained in any deed, contract, security
instrument, or other instrument affecting real property that
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<1> SRCC is a non-profit third party supported by the U.S.
Department of Energy.
SB 1534
Page B
prohibits or restricts installation or use of a solar energy
system.
2)Requires solar collectors to meet the standards and
requirements imposed by state and local permitting
authorities.
3)Requires solar energy systems to be certified by SRCC or other
nationally recognized certification agency.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS : California law protects homeowners who want to
install solar systems by prohibiting homeowner associations or
subdivision developers from banning their use through CC&Rs.
The industry standard has changed since the existing law was
enacted. For the most part, solar energy systems were formerly
thermal, heat producing systems, not photovoltaic systems that
produce electricity.
This bill updates standards by requiring solar energy systems
installed by property owners to meet the most current thermal
and electrical standards for safety and performance. This bill
also requires these solar energy systems to comply with any
applicable rules of PUC regarding safety and reliability.
SB X2 82 (Murray), Chapter 10, Statutes of 2001, Second
Extraordinary Session, requires solar energy systems to be
installed on state buildings, where feasible, and on new state
buildings constructed after December 31, 2002, uses the same
standards for safety and performance as prescribed in this bill.
Analysis Prepared by : Paul Donahue / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0005463