Existing regulations require certain residential and non-residential building roofs to have a “solar zone,” a designated and reserved area for a solar PV system or solar-thermal system. S.B. 71 would require a solar PV system or solar-thermal system to be installed in the solar zone of residential and non-residential buildings that commence construction after January 1, 2018. The bill would also authorize the California Building Standards Commission to adopt regulations imposing additional standards on PV systems and solar-thermal systems to reflect the most recent technology available.

S.B. 71 is currently in committee. A hearing will be held April 4.