Solar energy systems.

Existing law creates the right to receive sunlight, which is referred to as a solar easement, and defines it to mean the right of receiving sunlight across real property of another for any solar energy system. Existing law defines a "solar energy system" for this purpose to include a structural design feature of a building, including a design feature whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating. This bill would specify that a design feature, for the purpose described above, includes elevated solar structures, including carport and shade structures that support solar collectors or other solar energy devices. Existing law prescribes and limits permit fees that a city or county may charge for a residential and commercial solar energy system and establishes definitions for this purpose. This bill would define "commercial permit fee" to mean the sum of all charges levied by a city, county, city and county, or charter city in connection with the application for a commercial solar energy system. The bill would also specify that a "residential permit fee" is with reference to a residential solar energy system.