California continues to lead in clean energy policy, with Title 24 as a key driver of change. For commercial and industrial (C&I) property owners, these codes are more than compliance—they’re a strategic way to reduce costs, boost resilience, and support a cleaner grid.
At Fortress Power, we help California businesses turn compliance into competitive advantage with advanced, scalable battery energy storage (BESS) systems designed for seamless solar integration.
What Is Title 24 — and Why Does It Now Require Energy Storage?
Title 24 is California’s Building Standards Code that sets energy efficiency regulations for residential and non-residential buildings. Recent code updates focus on reducing grid demand, lowering emissions, and expanding the use of renewable energy — especially in commercial applications.
One key outcome: solar and battery storage systems are now required in many new nonresidential construction projects, especially those ≥10,000 square feet. Buildings like offices, schools, warehouses, retail spaces, and restaurants must be “solar ready” and often must include onsite storage to help manage peak loads and support grid reliability.
How Title 24 Affects Solar and Battery System Sizing
Title 24 doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all solar system. Instead, PV sizing is based on the building’s expected energy usage through performance modeling.
- Mandatory Solar Ready: Most new nonresidential buildings ≥10,000 ft² must allocate at least 15% of available roof area (after accounting for skylights, HVAC, etc.) for solar and energy storage equipment.
- Modeled Offset: Using approved simulation tools (like CBECC-Com or EnergyPro), designers determine the appropriate PV size to offset a portion of the building’s annual electricity load.
Battery Storage Requirements: If PV is required, battery storage is often mandatory. This is unless the project qualifies for an exemption.
- Battery Sizing Formula: Title 24 requires energy storage systems to meet the lesser of 5 kWh of storage per 1 kW of PV installed. Or, the building’s expected peak demand.
- Minimum Discharge Power: Batteries must support a 25% discharge rate. Meaning, a 40 kWh system must deliver at least 10 kW.
Together, these sizing guidelines ensure that buildings have the capacity to store excess solar generation and shift load to off-peak hours, easing demand on the grid and lowering utility costs.
Why Battery Storage Is a Smart Investment for California Businesses
Adding a commercial battery storage system doesn’t just help with Title 24 compliance — it also delivers long-term operational and financial benefits:
- Peak Demand Management: Reduce utility bills by storing energy during off-peak hours and using it during peak pricing periods.
- Backup Power During Outages: Ensure energy continuity during grid disruptions, blackouts, and wildfire-related shutoffs.
- Sustainability Leadership: Support your ESG goals by lowering emissions and increasing reliance on clean, onsite power.
- Incentives & Rebates: State and federal programs can significantly boost ROI and reduce payback periods.
Fortress Power: Trusted Solutions for Compliance and Resilience
Fortress Power designs energy storage systems that help California businesses meet Title 24, improve performance, and achieve energy independence. Our solutions are safe, scalable, and solar-ready.
eSpire 280- C&I Storage Without Compromise: Our eSpire system is a high-capacity, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) solution engineered for large commercial and industrial buildings. Ideal for:
- Peak shaving and demand charge reduction
- Backup power and resilience
- Solar + storage integration
- Multi-site energy strategies
eVault MAX- Mid-Sized Power for Flexible Applications: The eVault MAX is a flexible solution for retail spaces, schools, and medium-sized facilities. It offers:
- High round-trip efficiency
- Long cycle life
- Scalable performance for time-of-use savings and Title 24 compliance
Guardian App- Smart Energy Management in Real Time: All Fortress Power systems integrate with our Guardian App, enabling building managers to monitor usage, track system performance, and configure dispatching based on real-time energy needs—from anywhere.
Take the Next Step Toward Title 24 Compliance
.Title 24 is reshaping how California businesses think about power. Fortress Power helps you stay ahead with storage solutions that cut costs, reduce risk, and support sustainability. Contact our experts to size your system, ensure compliance, and thrive in California’s evolving energy landscape.
