New Solar Law: California SB 283 Battery Safety Law 2025

In January 2025, the coastal town of Moss Landing witnessed the most destructive battery fire in U.S. history. The blaze, fueled by a large lithium-ion battery storage facility, burned for several days, forcing evacuations and drawing national attention. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 283, a law aimed at preventing future disasters by strengthening statewide fire safety standards for large-scale battery installations.

While grid-scale batteries are critical to California’s clean energy future, the Moss Landing fire underscored the importance of rigorous safety standards. For homeowners considering solar and battery storage, this law is a reminder that safety and reliability should always come first — a principle that guides every project installed by US Power across Southern California.

What Happened at Moss Landing and Why It Matters

The Moss Landing facility, which went online in 2020, stored thousands of lithium-ion batteries in a former power-plant hall. In January 2025, a fire broke out, destroying the hall and igniting fears over the safety of large-scale battery systems. The incident became a symbol of the potential risks associated with improperly managed energy storage, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols.

Although the industry has since adopted advanced designs — like containerized battery units spaced across open areas — the Moss Landing fire triggered public scrutiny and prompted policymakers to act. SB 283 now sets the standard for emergency preparedness, fire suppression, and design review for all large battery projects in California.

Strengthening California’s Battery Safety Rules

SB 283 mandates that battery developers collaborate directly with local fire authorities from the design phase through commercial operations. Key provisions include:

• Early consultation with first responders to create robust emergency-response plans.
• Mandatory inspections of fire suppression systems before batteries go online.
• Guidance from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to consider restrictions on housing batteries in combustible buildings.
• Alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for energy storage safety.

These measures ensure that communities across California are protected and that battery developers adhere to best practices recognized by the industry. As energy storage continues to grow — California surpassed 15,000 megawatts of installed batteries in 2025, up from just hundreds in 2020 — such regulations are critical to building public trust.

Industry Support and Confidence

Energy storage trade groups, including American Clean Power and the California Energy Storage Alliance, have praised SB 283. The law not only strengthens safety protocols but also reassures communities and regulators that battery storage is a reliable component of California’s clean energy future.

As Alex Jackson, executive director of American Clean Power’s California branch, said, “Every state should give local officials the tools and authority to ensure these standards are in place.”

This emphasis on safety aligns perfectly with US Power’s mission to provide Southern California homeowners with high-efficiency, American-made solar and battery solutions that meet or exceed the latest safety codes.

What SB 283 Means for Homeowners in Southern California

While SB 283 primarily targets large grid batteries, its lessons extend to residential solar storage. Modern home battery systems, like those offered by US Power, feature modular lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate designs in individual containers. This design reduces the risk of fire spread and ensures homeowners can enjoy reliable energy storage without compromising safety.

For Southern California residents, this means:

• Peace of mind: Batteries installed by US Power comply with or exceed California’s 2025 safety standards.
• Efficient energy management: Paired with high-efficiency solar panels, home batteries help lower electricity bills and reduce reliance on the grid.
• Clean energy support: Contributing to California’s transition to renewable energy, even during evening hours or heat waves.

Product Quality Check: Why US Power Stands Out

At US Power, we understand that quality and safety are inseparable. That’s why every solar and battery system undergoes a multi-point quality inspection, including:

1. Factory-direct sourcing: We exclusively partner with QCells, providing American-made solar panels and batteries at competitive pricing.
2. UL-certified components: Every panel and battery meets the highest safety standards recognized nationwide.
3. Professional installation: Our expert technicians follow stringent protocols for wiring, mounting, and storage placement.
4. Post-installation review: Systems are tested to confirm optimal performance, efficiency, and compliance with California fire and electrical codes.

This commitment ensures that your home benefits from the same safety and reliability principles driving SB 285 but tailored for residential solar storage.

The Future of Safe, Clean Energy in California

California’s push for a safer, more resilient battery network is central to meeting its long-term climate goals. By 2045, the state aims to deploy 52,000 megawatts of energy storage, preventing shortages during peak demand and reducing fossil-fuel reliance.

For Southern California homeowners, now is the time to invest in solar and battery systems that are safe, reliable, and high-performing. With US Power, you gain:

• Factory-direct, American-made QCells panels and batteries
• Compliance with 2025 California safety standards
• A trusted partner for smooth installation and long-term maintenance

Don’t wait until the next energy crisis or regulatory update. Protect your home with certified Qcells solar and battery systems through US Power, engineered for maximum safety, efficiency, and savings.

Schedule your free consultation today and join thousands of Southern California homeowners powering their future safely with US Power.