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
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
