My generator is enough to run a fridge and charge a few phones. That is enough for me. After all, have not used it in a decade, at our last power outage which I think lasted 2 hours or less.
And I know that solar is required after 2020, but how does the new CA building codes effect installing a powerwall?
I think you know, but just to clarify in case others get the wrong idea, solar is required only for new residential builds. And it’s not even a requirement for the panels to be on the roof. As long as some of the energy pulled into the home comes from solar, regardless of whether it’s from an HOA community solar farm, or a solar farm 100 miles away, it meets requirement.
Regarding the building code for batteries, interpretation of the new code shows installing one battery on the wall is fine.
But, with more than one battery installed inside, there has to be at least 3 feet separation from each battery, walls of the garage/home, and other equipment. There goes that second car space in the garage. 4-inch diameter steel bollards, no less than 3 feet tall, to protect against vehicle impact.
Exterior placements require it to be on a pedestal, and minimum 5 feet from lot lines and public ways. 10 feet minimum from any means of egress from a nearby building. Must be secured from unauthorized access such as with fencing all around.
But, it’s said that some of these requirements can be exempt by local jurisdiction. So, nothing concrete, and no definitive guidelines yet from any city that I know of. Although, some people in San Francisco has already run into trouble with 2 PWs mounted traditionally on the wall (installer had no idea of changed rules).
