A California state senator has introduced a bill that would require the installation of solar power on new commercial and residential buildings statewide.
If the proposal were to become law, it would be the first such requirement in U.S. history, according to a press release by Scott Wiener, the legislator behind the bill. The statewide mandate would be similar to a city law that Wiener wrote and helped pass in 2016 as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
The board approved the city ordinance last year that required new small and midsized buildings in San Francisco to include solar. Some other California cities have enacted similar solar mandates.
According to current California state law, all new residential and commercial buildings up to 10 stories tall must have 15% of their roof area solar ready—defined as unshaded and free of obtrusions. The proposed new legislation would require that solar be installed on the 15% of solar-ready roof area. The solar mandate could be fulfilled by either photovoltaic or solar water systems.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2016
Santa Monica, Calif., passes historic net-zero ordinance
Includes more stringent commercial, multifamily building standards.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Six more states approve legal marijuana, creating opportunities for developers
Federal prohibition complicates the picture.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Los Angeles voters approve billions to tackle traffic and homelessness
The approved measures will create new rail lines and permanent housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
NRMCA updates environmental impacts of concrete
The EPD now includes 88 companies, 72 mixes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
Louisiana flood projections require urgent action, officials say
The 'no net loss’ prediction now seems unrealistic.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2016
American Concrete Institute offers new guide for repair of concrete buildings
The guide provides assistance on assessment and rehab.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2016
The AISC prequalified seismic moment connection standard is now available
You can download the 2016 version for free.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2016
Obama Administration makes a push for denser, more affordable cities
The administration calls for zoning code changes and other measures to create more housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2016
OSHA proposes safety standards changes to reduce employer costs
The changes include clarification on excavation standard and reporting job-related hearing loss.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2016
New resources available to reduce plug loads using advanced power strips
A tenant education program can boost efficiency in office buildings.
