The 2022 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards took effect January 1, 2023, and they represent one of the most significant updates to Title 24 in years. If you're building in Los Angeles, here's everything you need to know.
Solar PV: Now Mandatory for Most New Buildings
The headline change in the 2022 standards is the expansion of mandatory solar photovoltaic requirements:
**Residential:** Solar PV was already required for single-family homes under the 2019 standards. The 2022 update extends this requirement to **all new low-rise multifamily buildings** (3 stories and under). The required PV system size is calculated based on the building's conditioned floor area and climate zone.
**Commercial:** New commercial buildings must now include solar PV systems or comply via other approved pathways.
How PV Size Is Calculated
For residential projects, the minimum PV system size (in kilowatts DC) is calculated using a formula that considers:
Battery Storage: Incentives and Pathways
The 2022 standards introduce a significant incentive for battery storage systems. Buildings with compliant battery storage systems can earn credit toward their overall energy compliance — reducing the required PV system size or enabling other design tradeoffs.
Battery storage systems must meet minimum capacity requirements and include smart inverters to qualify.
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Expanding Requirements
The 2022 standards significantly expand heat pump water heater requirements:
This is part of California's broader push to electrify residential buildings and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
EV Charging Readiness
New residential buildings must now include EV-ready electrical infrastructure:
Envelope and HVAC: Incremental Improvements
The 2022 standards also tighten envelope and HVAC requirements incrementally:
What This Means for Your LA Project
For most projects in Los Angeles (Climate Zone 9 and surrounding areas), the 2022 standards mean:
At Title24.IO, we've been preparing reports under the 2022 standards since day one. Our team understands every nuance of the updated code and can help your project comply efficiently and cost-effectively.