California Makes Powerful Solar Move

“As California goes, so does the rest of the country,” the saying goes. The clean-energy powerhouse state has become the first state to require all new homes to install and use solar power. The new rule, which will be in effect in two years, makes solar more relevant than ever before. In a unanimous vote by the California Energy Commission, the ruling occurred without heated arguments.

However, homeowners are worried that the extra cost of installing solar panels on their homes will worsen the unaffordable housing market in the West Coast’s golden state. But clean-energy advocates claim the cost of solar will be made up by the dramatic decrease in energy bills.

How California is Leading The Way

California law also requires about 50% of the state’s electrical output to come from noncarbon-making sources by the year 2030. Furthermore, the change in building codes is one aspect of an entire system of change away from previous forms of power. By the end of this year, California can claim the title of the nation’s leading state on solar installation.

According to the Institute for Energy Research, California produced roughly 15% of its electricity from non-hydroelectric renewable sources which are mainly wind and geothermal power. In 2018, renewable energy generates about 27%, with solar power accounting for about 10 percent.

What Homebuilders and Homeowners Need to Know

With the passing of this rule, home builders must develop homes with solar panels; or home builders can build a shared solar system several homes. Roof panels can be purchased, included in the home price, or paid for through a solar lease month-to-month.

California’s bold move on solar is expected to cost $8,000 to $12,000 to a home’s price, according to The New York Times.