The California Building Standards Commission has just approved a mandate that states that all new residential construction starting January 1, 2020 must include solar panels.
While many news outlets covered this story, EcoWatch.com was the primary source used for this post.
Originally proposed back in May by the commission’s Green Buildings Standards Code, the mandate has just passed with a unanimous vote. The rule will apply to all new condos, apartment buildings, and houses. Exceptions will be buildings that are higher than three stories and ones that are often shaded or where space is limited.
Kent Sasaki, one of the commissioners interviewed stated, “These provisions really are historic and will be a beacon of light for the rest of the country. It’s the beginning of substantial improvement in how we produce energy and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.”
It is estimated that solar panel installations will cost an average of $10,000 per build. However, this investment will be more than offset by savings from long term solar power generation, which will be approximately $19,000 on average. These figures were obtained from Drew Bohan, the executive director of the energy commission. Mr. Bohan also mentioned – “With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, there is even greater need for homes that are efficient, reliable, and resilient.”
For those future California homeowners concerned about a lack of options or decision making control, that has been considered. Options to purchase the panels outright, lease them, or enter into a power purchase agreement will be made available. In some cases, homeowners will be able to pool resources together instead of installing solar on every single home. This is basically the “community solar” idea that has already been implemented in cities across the country. Those potentially concerned about costs should know that many industry groups are also supportive of this new solar mandate.
This mandate will not be surprising to many, as California continues to be a leader in clean energy adoption. In fact, this proposal will go along way in helping the state meet its goal of being completely renewable energy powered by 2045.
Savvy homebuyers will choose to purchase their solar panels. Many should be able to add the costs into their mortgage. The financials should be about the same if a separate loan is needed. Either way, the solar savings are quite a few thousand more compared to leasing or power purchase agreements.
In conclusion, the new requirement in California for solar panels on new homes marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By integrating renewable energy sources into residential buildings, the state is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also promoting the use of clean and renewable energy. This mandate not only benefits the environment but also provides homeowners with long-term cost savings and energy independence. With this progressive move, California sets an example for other states and countries to follow in their efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable and greener society.
In conclusion, the new requirement for solar panels on new homes in California marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By mandating the use of renewable energy sources, the state is taking a proactive approach to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This policy not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes the adoption of clean energy technologies. While there may be initial concerns about the cost implications, the long-term benefits of lower electricity bills and a cleaner environment outweigh any potential drawbacks. Overall, this requirement sets a positive example for other states and countries to follow in their efforts to transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, the new requirement of solar panels on new homes in California is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This mandate not only ensures that new homes contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future, but also helps homeowners save on energy costs in the long run. By making solar panels a standard feature, California is leading the way in environmental stewardship and setting an example for other states and countries to follow.