On Wednesday, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved a policy requiring virtually all new homes to incorporate solar panels. The requirement will take effect in 2020, making California the first state with such a policy.
California is already the nation's leading solar market, with over 5 times more solar installed than any other state, and roughly 40% of the total solar installed in the U.S. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar industry has created $43 billion of investment in California's economy, and employs more than 86,000 people. The SEIA hopes that this historic policy decision with set a precedent and pave the way for other states to follow suit. New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., have already begun considering legislation that would require new nuildings to be solar-ready.
Of course, for current homeowners, or people buying homes built before 2020, this policy won't apply. Still, this policy is a big step towards helping California meet it's goal of getting at least 50% of it's electricity from non-carbon producing sources by 2030.
If you've considered installing solar-roof panels on your home and would like to explore your options, feel free to give us a call. We would be happy to connect you with one of our trusted green-roofing experts.
