It’s official: California to install solar panels on all new homes

California’s energy future just keeps getting brighter.

California’s energy future just keeps getting brighter.

The California Building Standards Commission finalized a rule on Dec. 5 that requires builders to install solar panels on all new homes starting in 2020. According to Environment California Research & Policy Center’s Dec. 3 report, “Solar Homes,” the additional solar panels could increase California’s existing solar capacity by 22 percent by 2045. The policy, paired with energy efficiency improvements, could save homeowners thousands in energy and maintenance costs.

“Every home and structure built without solar is a missed opportunity,” said Environment California Research & Policy Center State Director Dan Jacobson. “Generating renewable energy from our rooftops helps homeowners and their communities reduce pollution and live healthier lives.”

This decision has been in the works since May, when the California Energy Commission adopted new building standards that proposed building all new homes with solar panels, the first such proposal in the nation.

Photo: Additional solar panels could increase California’s existing solar capacity by 22 percent by 2045. Credit: Public Domain.