California this month became the first U.S. state to require solar panels on almost all new homes.
Most new units built after Jan. 1, 2020, will be required to include solar systems as part of the standards adopted by the California Energy Commission. Estimates are that the mandate will drive up the cost of buying a house by almost $10,000.
The PV-on-house law is a new component of Governor Jerry Brown’s effort to slash carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, and provides a potential roadmap for other states to follow. The U.S. had 10.4 gigawatts of residential solar power at the end of last year, up more than 600% from five years earlier. California’s move will boost the residential solar industry, which started slowing in 2017 after government policy changes and efforts by some companies to shift their strategies.
Installation of a solar system and other energy-efficiency requirements will add about $9,500 to the cost of a new home, according to the California Energy Commission. The cost would be offset by about $19,000 in expected energy and maintenance savings over 30 years, according to the commission.
Related Stories
Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015
Newly formed group challenges Florida building code
Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015
New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina
The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights
Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast
Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts