A new single-family home in California needs a Title 24 energy report (CF1R) to get a building permit. Under the 2025 Energy Code, that report usually covers solar PV, battery-ready wiring, heat pump equipment, ventilation and the tests an ECC (HERS) rater will do.
The 2025 Energy Code applies to permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The CEC says it "expands the use of heat pumps in newly constructed residential buildings, encourages electric-readiness, strengthens ventilation standards, and more."
What does a new-home Title 24 report cover?
New homes almost always use the performance approach. The CEC's compliance manual says new buildings using it must be modeled in CEC-approved compliance software. The software compares your design against a standard design for your climate zone. You can trade one feature for another as long as the whole home passes.
The report covers:
- Walls, roof, floor and window performance.
- Heating and cooling equipment and ratings.
- Water heating.
- Ventilation for indoor air quality (Section 150.0(o)).
- Solar PV size (Section 150.1(c)14).
- Battery-ready provisions (Section 150.0(s)).
- Electric-ready provisions if you use gas appliances.
- Heating and cooling load results, which the CEC manual says the CF1R must include.
- The list of items the ECC rater must test.
Does a new home need solar?
Yes, under the prescriptive standard, unless an exception applies. Section 150.1(c)14 requires solar PV on newly constructed single-family homes. The report calculates the required system size for your home and climate zone.
Separately, solar-ready rules (Section 110.10(a)1) apply to new homes in subdivisions of ten or more homes. A single new home on an existing lot is not in that group.
Does a new home need to be battery-ready?
Generally, yes. Section 150.0(s) requires battery-ready electrical provisions, such as backup capacity and dedicated circuits. The CEC notes the requirement does not apply when the electric service is 125 amps or less. Installing a complete battery system also satisfies it.
Can I use gas?
Gas water heating, space heating, cooking or drying requires electric-ready provisions under Sections 150.0(n) and 150.0(t) through (v). Those provisions include the circuits and space for a future electric appliance. Whether a gas design passes overall depends on the energy model. If it does not, we list the minimum equipment ratings needed to pass, so your contractor can choose matching parts. We do not recommend products or brands.
What will the ECC (HERS) rater test?
Your CF1R lists the items. For new homes, common items include:
- Refrigerant charge, required for heat pumps in all climate zones.
- Verified equipment ratings.
- Duct leakage and fan watt draw for ducted systems.
- Ventilation fan airflow.
- Kitchen range hood ratings.
- Quality insulation installation (QII), when it is part of the design.
Testing is done by an independent ECC rater certified by CHEERS, the CEC-approved ECC-Provider. The forms are registered in the CHEERS registry. See CF1R, CF2R and CF3R explained.
Who signs the report?
The responsible designer signs the CF1R. We sign as the documentation author. For wood-framed homes up to two stories that do not need a licensed designer, the builder may sign as the responsible designer.
What do I send to get started?
- Floor plans, elevations, sections and roof plan
- Window and door schedule
- Wall, roof and floor assemblies
- Heating, cooling, water heating and ventilation choices, if known
- Electrical service size, if known
Ready to order? See our flat prices.
Frequently asked questions
Does a new single-family home need solar under the 2025 Energy Code?
Yes, under the prescriptive standard. Section 150.1(c)14 requires solar PV for newly constructed single-family homes, with listed exceptions. The Title 24 report sizes the system.
Do new homes have to be battery-ready?
Generally yes. Section 150.0(s) sets battery energy storage system ready requirements for new single-family homes. The CEC says they do not apply when the electric service is 125 amps or less.
Can a new home use gas appliances?
The 2025 Energy Code expands the use of heat pumps in new homes, and gas appliances must come with electric-ready provisions under Sections 150.0(n) and 150.0(t) through (v). Whether a gas design passes depends on the full energy model.
What software is used?
New homes that use the performance approach must be modeled in CEC-approved compliance software. The result is a registered CF1R-PRF report.