Chapter 7Research and Development

Section § 25600

Explanation

This section explains different terms related to systems that use solar energy in buildings. A 'passive thermal system' uses the building's own structure to gather, store, and distribute solar energy without using machines. A 'semipassive thermal system' does the same but with added mechanical components. 'Solar device' refers to the equipment used for handling solar energy, while a 'solar system' is the complete setup that uses these devices for solar energy management. Lastly, 'standard' describes guidelines for the design and performance of these systems.

As used in this chapter:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25600(a) “Passive thermal system” means a system which utilizes the structural elements of a building and is not augmented by mechanical components to provide for collection, storage and distribution of solar energy or coolness.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25600(b) “Semipassive thermal system” means a system which utilizes the structural elements of a building and is augmented by mechanical components to provide for collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy or coolness.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25600(c) “Solar device” means the equipment associated with the collection, transfer, distribution, storage, and control of solar energy.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25600(d) “Solar system” means the integrated use of solar devices for the functions of collection, transfer, storage, and distribution of solar energy.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 25600(e) “Standard” means a specification of design, performance, and procedure, or of the instrumentation, equipment, surrounding conditions, and skills required during the conduct of a procedure.
passive thermal system semipassive thermal system solar energy solar device solar system collection of solar energy storage of solar energy distribution of solar energy coolness mechanical components building structural elements design standards performance standards equipment specifications
(Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1081.)

Section § 25601

Explanation

This law requires a commission to create and coordinate research and development programs focused on energy supply, consumption, and conservation, with a priority on projects significant to the state. The focus areas include methods to conserve energy, boost efficiency of existing and new powerplants, develop alternative energy sources like solar and geothermal, and improve facility designs for safety against earthquakes. It also aims to enhance methods for predicting energy demand.

The commission shall develop and coordinate a program of research and development in energy supply, consumption, and conservation and the technology of siting facilities and shall give priority to those forms of research and development that are of particular importance to the state, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25601(a) Methods of energy conservation specified in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 25400).
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25601(b) Increased energy use efficiencies of existing thermal electric and hydroelectric powerplants and increased energy efficiencies in designs of thermal electric and hydroelectric powerplants.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25601(c) Expansion and accelerated development of alternative sources of energy, including geothermal and solar resources, including, but not limited to, participation in large-scale demonstrations of alternative energy systems sited in California in cooperation with federal agencies, regional compacts, other state governments, and other participants. For purposes of this subdivision, “participation” shall be defined as any of the following: (1) direct interest in a project; (2) research and development to ensure acceptable resolution of environmental and other impacts of alternative energy systems; (3) research and development to improve siting and permitting methodology for alternative energy systems; (4) experiments using the alternative energy systems; and (5) research and development of appropriate methods to ensure the widespread use of economically useful alternative energy systems. Large-scale demonstrations of alternative energy systems are exemplified by the 100KWe to 100MWe range demonstrations of solar, wind, and geothermal systems contemplated by federal agencies, regional compacts, other state governments, and other participants.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25601(d) Improved methods of construction, design, and operation of facilities to protect against seismic hazards.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 25601(e) Improved methods of energy-demand forecasting.
energy conservation methods thermal electric powerplants hydroelectric powerplants alternative energy sources geothermal energy solar energy large-scale energy demonstrations seismic hazard protection energy demand forecasting energy efficiency California energy projects energy system siting permits for energy systems renewable energy research energy technology development
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 353, Sec. 26. (AB 1533) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Section § 25602

Explanation

This law outlines the responsibilities of a commission to study various energy sources and technologies. It aims to influence national research priorities and anticipate future energy options and their effects. The commission's focus includes advanced nuclear and fusion power, improved transmission methods, waste heat use, hydrogen energy, recycling's impact on energy, and alternative fuels like agricultural and municipal waste. It also covers reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency in transportation and industry. These studies help determine the most suitable energy technologies based on established standards.

The commission shall carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy and energy-related problems, in order to influence federal research and development priorities and to be informed on future energy options and their impacts, including, in addition to those problems specified in Section 25601, but not limited to, the following:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(a) Advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(b) Total energy concepts.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(c) New technology related to coastal and offshore siting of facilities.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(d) Expanded use of wastewater as cooling water and other advances in powerplant cooling.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(e) Improved methods of power transmission to permit interstate and interregional transfer and exchange of bulk electric power.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(f) Measures to reduce wasteful and inefficient uses of energy.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(g) Shifts in transportation modes and changes in transportation technology in relation to implications for energy consumption.
(h)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(h) Methods of recycling, extraction, processing, fabricating, handling, or disposing of materials, especially materials which require large commitments of energy.
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(i) Expanded recycling of materials and its effect on energy consumption.
(j)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(j) Implications of government subsidies and taxation and ratesetting policies.
(k)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(k) Utilization of waste heat.
(l)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(l) Use of hydrogen as an energy form.
(m)CA Public Resources Code § 25602(m) Use of agricultural products, municipal wastes, and organic refuse as an energy source.
Such assessments may also be conducted in order to determine which energy systems among competing technologies are most compatible with standards established pursuant to this division.
energy assessment nuclear power fusion technology fuel cells coastal facility technology wastewater cooling power transmission energy efficiency transportation energy material recycling waste heat utilization hydrogen energy alternative energy sources government subsidies energy standards
(Added by renumbering Section 25601 by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1081.)

Section § 25603

Explanation

This law section says that the commission should work with other state agencies to design, build, and operate energy-efficient buildings. They need to use data from Section 25401 to show that these designs are both economically and technically viable.

For research purposes, the commission shall, in cooperation with other state agencies, participate in the design, construction, and operation of energy-conserving buildings using data developed pursuant to Section 25401, in order to demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of such designs.
energy-conserving buildings energy-efficient design economic feasibility technical feasibility state agency cooperation building construction operation of buildings demonstration projects energy data utilization sustainable building design energy conservation Section 25401 data design and construction feasibility demonstration energy efficiency
(Added by renumbering Section 25602 by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1081.)

Section § 25605

Explanation

This law requires the commission to create rules about solar devices by November 1, 1978. These rules should encourage solar energy use and inform the public about solar devices. They may cover standards for testing and installing solar devices, and include provisions for enforcing these standards, possibly through lab accreditation, inspections, and data submission requirements. The sale of unsafe or non-durable solar devices can be banned, and test results must be shared with the public. The impact of regulations on cost and innovation should be considered, with regular reassessments and updates allowed. The law also ensures people can develop and use solar devices on their own property. Violations of these rules can be legally stopped through court orders.

On or before November 1, 1978, the commission shall develop and adopt, in cooperation with affected industry and consumer representatives, and after one or more public hearings, regulations governing solar devices. The regulations shall be designed to encourage the development and use of solar energy and to provide maximum information to the public concerning solar devices. The regulations may include, but need not be limited to, any or all of the following:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(a) Standards for testing, inspection, certification, sizing, and installation of solar devices.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b) Provisions for the enforcement of the standards. Such provisions may include any or all of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b)(1) Procedures for the accreditation by the commission of laboratories to test and certify solar devices.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b)(2) Requirements for onsite inspection of solar devices, including specifying methods for inspection, to determine compliance or noncompliance with the standards.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b)(3) Requirements for submission to the commission of any data resulting from the testing and inspection of solar devices.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b)(4) Prohibitions on the sale of solar devices that do not meet minimum requirements for safety and durability as established by the commission.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(b)(5) Dissemination of the results of the testing, inspection, and certification program to the public.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(c) In adopting the regulations, the commission shall give due consideration to their effect on the cost of purchasing, installing, operating, and maintaining solar devices. The commission shall reassess the regulations as often as it deems necessary, based on the value of the regulations in terms of benefits and disadvantages to the widespread adoption of solar energy systems and the need to encourage creativity and innovative adaptations of solar energy. The commission may amend or repeal these regulations based on such reassessment.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(d) The commission shall not preclude a person from developing, installing, or operating a solar device on their own property.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 25605(e) A violation of a regulation adopted by the commission pursuant to this section may be enjoined in the same manner as is prescribed in Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 25900) for enjoining a violation of this division.
solar devices energy regulations public hearings testing standards installation standards enforcement provisions laboratory accreditation inspection requirements safety and durability public information cost impact innovation encouragement solar device development property rights violation injunctions
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 353, Sec. 28. (AB 1533) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Section § 25605.5

Explanation

This section explains that any building standards created by the commission under Section 25605 need to be approved by the State Building Standards Commission. These standards have to follow the rules set out in the State Building Standards Law. Once approved and published, these standards must comply with Section 25605 and be enforced accordingly.

Standards adopted by the commission pursuant to Section 25605, which are building standards as defined in Section 25488.5, shall be submitted to the State Building Standards Commission for approval pursuant to, and are governed by, the State Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code). Building standards adopted by the commission and published in the State Building Standards Code shall comply with, and be enforced as provided in, Section 25605.
building standards State Building Standards Commission approval process State Building Standards Law compliance enforcement commission standards Health and Safety Code Section 25605 construction regulations safety regulations building regulations state approval publishing standards
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1145, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 1995.)

Section § 25608

Explanation

This section requires a specific commission to work with federal agencies like NASA and the Department of Energy. The goal is to coordinate and streamline the adoption of regulations related to sections 25603 and 25605, ensuring they align with these agencies' guidelines and standards.

The commission shall confer with officials of federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to coordinate the adoption of regulations pursuant to Sections 25603 and 25605.
coordination with federal agencies NASA Department of Energy Department of Housing and Urban Development National Institute of Standards and Technology regulation adoption standard alignment policy coordination Sections 25603 and 25605 federal collaboration regulatory guidelines interagency communication streamlining regulations federal standards policy implementation
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1145, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 1995.)

Section § 25609

Explanation

This law allows the commission to decide when new regulations will begin. They can choose different start dates for each regulation they create.

The commission may, in adopting regulations pursuant to this chapter, specify the date when the regulations shall take effect. The commission may specify different dates for different regulations.
regulations effective date adopting regulations commission authority different start dates implementation dates regulatory timeline flexible scheduling staggered implementation rulemaking process regulation enforcement timeline
(Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1081.)

Section § 25609.5

Explanation

This law states that any building standards developed by the commission under Section 25609 only become effective after they are approved following the guidelines set out in the State Building Standards Law. Specifically, it refers to Part 2.5 of Part 13 of the Health and Safety Code.

The effective dates of building standards adopted by the commission pursuant to Section 25609 are subject to approval pursuant to the provisions of the State Building Standards Law, Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Part 13 of the Health and Safety Code.
building standards commission approval State Building Standards Law Health and Safety Code Section 25609 Part 2.5 Part 13 effective dates approval process California building regulations building code approval standards adoption Health and Safety Code provisions commission standards building standards effectiveness
(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1152.)

Section § 25610

Explanation

This law section allows the commission to hire outside help for materials and services that its own staff or other state agencies can't provide. It also lets the commission apply for federal grants or other types of funding.

For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the commission may contract with any person for materials and services that cannot be performed by its staff or other state agencies, and may apply for federal grants or any other funding.
commission contracting external services federal grants outside help state agency limitations funding applications service agreements material procurement third-party contracts resource acquisition grant applications state agency collaboration service provision outsourcing services external funding sources
(Added by renumbering Section 25604 by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1081.)

Section § 25616

Explanation

This section encourages local agencies to quickly review permits for energy projects and urges developers to consider cost-effective and environmentally friendly options. The commission can help by providing technical support and grants to local agencies for energy project planning and integrating energy efficiency into their general plans, as long as there's funding. The aid is given if local agencies ask for it, and energy projects include anything primarily producing or transmitting energy.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage local agencies to expeditiously review permit applications to site energy projects, and to encourage energy project developers to consider all cost-effective and environmentally superior alternatives that achieve their project objectives.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(b) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated therefor, the commission shall provide technical assistance and grants-in-aid to assist local agencies to do either or both of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(b)(1) Site energy production or transmission projects which are not otherwise subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 25500).
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(b)(2) Integrate into their planning processes, and incorporate into their general plans, methods to achieve cost-effective energy efficiency.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(c) The commission shall provide assistance at the request of local agencies.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25616(d) As used in this section, an energy project is any project designed to produce, convert, or transmit energy as one of its primary functions.
local agencies energy projects permit applications technical assistance grants-in-aid cost-effective alternatives environmentally superior energy efficiency general plans planning processes funding availability project developers site energy production transmission projects commission assistance
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 78, Sec. 8. (AB 2605) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Section § 25617

Explanation

This section of the law focuses on promoting clean energy diversity in California. The Legislature aims to support various clean energy resources for electricity, industry, and transportation.

The law requires the commission to assist with the development of zero-emission fuels and technologies, as well as the necessary infrastructure. This support can involve setting up research and demonstration programs, depending on the funds available.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25617(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to preserve diversity of clean energy resources, including diversity of resources used in electric generation facilities, industrial and commercial applications, and transportation.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25617(b) The commission shall, within the limits of available funds, provide technical assistance and support for the development of zero-emission fuels, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission fuel transportation technologies. That technical assistance and support may include the creation of research, development, and demonstration programs.
clean energy resources zero-emission fuels zero-emission fueling infrastructure zero-emission transportation technologies electric generation facilities industrial applications commercial applications transportation technical assistance research programs development programs demonstration programs Legislature intent energy diversity clean energy support
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 120, Sec. 1. (SB 895) Effective January 1, 2021.)

Section § 25618

Explanation

This law section tasks a commission with helping to develop and promote ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles and related technologies in California. The commission is encouraged to work alongside local governments, utilities, and private businesses to create plans for increasing the use of these eco-friendly vehicles, especially in areas failing to meet air quality standards. Plans should align with federal funding criteria, and efforts should focus on using available federal resources for vehicle and infrastructure projects. Prioritization of demonstration projects should be in areas with air quality challenges.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25618(a) The commission shall facilitate development and commercialization of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles and advanced battery technologies, as well as development of an infrastructure to support maintenance and fueling of those vehicles in California. Facilitating commercialization of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles in California shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 25618(a)(1) The commission may, in cooperation with county, regional, and city governments, the state’s public and private utilities, and the private business sector, develop plans for accelerating the introduction and use of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles throughout California’s air quality nonattainment areas, and for accelerating the development and implementation of the necessary infrastructure to support the planned use of those vehicles in California. These plans shall be consistent with, but not limited to, the criteria for similar efforts contained in federal loan, grant, or matching fund projects.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 25618(a)(2) In coordination with other state agencies, the commission shall seek to maximize the state’s use of federal programs, loans, and matching funds available to states for ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicle development and demonstration programs, and infrastructure development projects.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25618(b) Priority for implementing demonstration projects under this section shall be directed toward those areas of the state currently in a nonattainment status with federal and state air quality regulations.
ultra low-emission vehicles zero-emission vehicles electric vehicles advanced battery technologies vehicle infrastructure air quality nonattainment areas federal loan programs state and federal air quality regulations demonstration projects environmental sustainability infrastructure development public and private utilities regional cooperation federal grants matching funds
(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 939, Sec. 3.)

Section § 25619

Explanation

This law involves providing financial support, up to $7 million, to certain California counties to help them develop plans and rules that encourage the use and development of renewable energy resources and related infrastructure. The counties eligible for these grants are specifically listed and must adhere to particular conditions related to conservation planning, especially for those within the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan area.

Counties can use the funds to update their general plans, zoning laws, and conservation plans to accommodate renewable energy. The law also mentions that if a county has experience with geothermal energy, it may have a preference for funding. Importantly, grants will only be provided if there's an allocated budget from specific funds by the state legislature.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(a) For purposes of this section, “qualified counties” means the Counties of Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, and Tulare.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(b) The commission shall provide up to seven million dollars ($7,000,000) in grants to qualified counties for the development or revision of rules and policies, including, but not limited to, general plan elements, zoning ordinances, and a natural community conservation plan as a plan participant, that facilitate the development of eligible renewable energy resources, and their associated electric transmission facilities, and the processing of permits for eligible renewable energy resources. The commission may allocate not more than 1 percent of appropriated funds to provide training to county planning staff to facilitate the siting and permitting of eligible renewable energy resources. A general plan element or zoning ordinance that is adopted or revised pursuant to this section shall be completed within two years of receipt of the grant and shall be consistent with the conservation strategies of any natural community conservation plan if one has been approved, or is under development, pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code). For counties within the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan planning area, the commission may award a grant to a county only if the county meets one of the following conditions:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(b)(1) The county is a “plan participant,” as defined by paragraph (1) of subdivision (j) of Section 2805 of the Fish and Game Code, in the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(b)(2) The county enters into a memorandum of understanding with the commission in which the county agrees to participate in the development of a natural community conservation plan for the purpose of ensuring that the natural community conservation plan can achieve the goals set forth in the planning agreement entered into pursuant to Section 2810 of the Fish and Game Code, that is dated May 2010, for the preparation of a natural community conservation plan, in a manner that is consistent with the applicable policies of the county.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(c) In its initial round of grant funding, the commission shall establish a preference for a grant to a qualified county in an amount that is adequate to develop a renewable energy element in its general plan that will facilitate the development and siting of eligible renewable energy resources that utilize multiple renewable energy technologies. The commission shall also establish a preference for a grant for those counties that have experience in geothermal energy development and have adopted a geothermal element, as defined in Section 25133, to its general plan.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 25619(d) The commission shall only implement this section upon receiving a specific appropriation for the purposes of this section by the Legislature from the Renewable Resources Trust Fund or other funds from the Energy Resources Program Account.
renewable energy resources grant funding qualified counties general plan elements zoning ordinances natural community conservation plan Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan geothermal energy development Energy Resources Program Account Renewable Resources Trust Fund county planning staff training electric transmission facilities permit processing siting renewable energy conservation strategies
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 601, Sec. 1. (AB 1255) Effective September 27, 2012.)