New Construction and Solar: 7 Critical Facts for El Dorado County and Surrounding Communities
- Diamond Solar Solutions
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
Building a new home in California is exciting. Whether it’s a custom dream house, a cozy cabin in the country, or a modern ADU for extra space or rental income, planning is key. But since 2020, any new residential construction must also include solar power. Understanding these requirements early can save time, money, and headaches.
At Diamond Solar Solutions, Inc., we help homeowners and builders throughout El Dorado County, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, Pollock Pines, Camino, Diamond Springs, Shingle Springs, Cameron Park, Folsom, and surrounding communities navigate every step. From design and consultation to full system installation, we make solar simple. Take a look at considerations for solar and new construction.
Fact #1: Solar Became Mandatory on New Construction in 2020
California made history when it became the first state to require solar photovoltaic systems on most new homes. Since January 1, 2020, the California Energy Code (Title 24) requires new residential construction to include solar energy systems sized to offset projected electricity usage.
For local residents, this means that planning solar new construction in El Dorado County must be part of the house design from the start. Whether you’re in El Dorado Hills, Placerville, or South Lake Tahoe, it’s critical to work with a professional early in the process.
Fact #2: Every Local Building Department Requires Solar Plans
Every city or county building department requires solar plans to be drawn and submitted with your house plans. In El Dorado County and nearby areas, departments expect:
Roof layout diagrams
Electrical single-line diagrams
Equipment specifications
Compliance forms showing Title 24 calculations
Without accurate solar plans, your building permit can be delayed. At Diamond Solar Solutions, we provide permit-ready solar designs for new construction.
Even if you’re not ready for installation, we can create designs or offer consultation services to get your plans approved quickly. Learn more about our shade evaluation services and how they help satisfy building department requirements.
Fact #3: Design-Only Services Are Available
Not every homeowner needs a full installation right away. Many builders and owner-builders only need a professional solar design for permitting.
Diamond Solar Solutions can prepare:
Roof and equipment layouts
System sizing calculations
Title 24 compliance forms
Shade and snow reports
We also provide battery storage and backup consultation if you’re planning high-altitude builds or off-grid systems.
Fact #4: Off-Grid Solar Can Be a Smarter Solution for Remote Builds
For rural properties, bringing utility power to the site can be extremely expensive. Trenching, poles, and transformers can add tens of thousands of dollars. In these cases, off-grid solar solutions in El Dorado County may be the most cost-effective option.
Off-grid systems typically include:
Solar panels
Battery storage
Backup generator integration
Custom inverters
Whether building a cabin in Pollock Pines or an ADU in Placerville, our team can evaluate if off-grid solar is right for your project and provide a full system design.
Fact #5: Shade and Snow Reports Are Critical Above the Snowline
Northern California’s terrain presents unique challenges. Heavy snow, steep roofs, and tall trees can affect solar performance. Many homeowners don’t realize that you may need:
A solar snow report for new construction in El Dorado County
Diamond Solar Solutions conducts on-site evaluations to determine whether solar is feasible on your roof. These reports are especially important for homes in South Lake Tahoe, Pollock Pines, and Camino.
Fact #6: Shade Exemptions May Be Possible
Did you know that properties with less than 70% annual sun access may qualify for a shade exemption? This is especially common in wooded areas or parcels with tall trees.
Our team performs professional shade evaluations using a Solmetric SunEye to measure sunlight access and create a county-approved report. With this documentation, your project may be exempt from installing a full solar system.
Fact #7: Structural Exemptions for High Snow Loads
In regions with extreme snow, roof-mounted solar may not be safe. For snow loads above 350 lbs. per square foot, you may qualify for a load exemption.
Diamond Solar Solutions prepares professional snow load reports and advises on alternatives, including:
Ground-mounted solar
Reduced system size
Battery storage for supplemental energy
Learn more about our battery backup solutions to ensure your system is safe and reliable even in heavy snow conditions.
Local Expertise: Solar New Construction in El Dorado County
Diamond Solar Solutions has extensive experience working with building departments in:
We assist with:
Consultation and design-only services
For new construction, whether a custom home, ADU, or mountain cabin, we make solar planning simple and code-compliant.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning solar new construction in El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, or surrounding communities, Diamond Solar Solutions can:
Provide a full installation quote
Design permit-ready plans
Perform shade and snow evaluations
Integrate battery storage for backup or off-grid systems
Don’t wait until construction is underway. Start your project on the right foot with professional guidance. Explore our services:
Harness the sun—wherever you plan to build. Reach out today to get started!