News: California Will Require Solar Panels on New Homes Starting in 2020

Big changes are happening with legislation on a state and federal level, helping to move initiatives forward that will reduce the effects of pollution and carbon impact on the environment. The state of California is leading the way with a recent announcement that sets a great precedent for other states in the country.

Requirement for Solar Panels on New Homes

On May 9, 2018, a unanimous vote was reached by the California Energy Commission (CEC) that requires new homes to have solar panels installed. The rules go into effect starting in 2020, so builders and homeowners have time to prepare for these changes.

The commission still needs to work through many of the details, but they have been clear that the minimum requirement is for every newly built home to have solar panels installed. If you want to read through the details yourself, then you can find the information in this .pdf.

To put it simply, all residential buildings will need to have a solar power system that offers an annual electrical output that is more than the electrical usage that will be used each year. Specific calculations will be applied to determine the amount of solar energy production that is needed. These calculations are based on the size of the home, the location of the property (based on climate zones), and other details that affect energy usage.

Understanding the Laws

Of course, there are always exceptions to the laws that are passed. For example, if a home is in an area that is has too much shade.  This could be an exception to the rule, since solar panels don’t produce power in the shade.

The industry experts will continue to unfold the information as the details emerge. At the same time, homebuilders will pay attention to these laws to ensure the compliance of new residential properties that are built in the future. But, the anticipation is that the solar power installation will increase significantly due to the number of homes that are built annually.

If you are preparing to build a home, then you might consider the benefits of a solar installation. Even though the new laws are going into effect in 2020, a solar installation can help to protect your property value. There is also a 30% Federal Tax Credit available, when you purchase a solar system.

For a no obligation quote and to have honest answers to your solar questions, contact New Day Solar at (855) 444-6329 or visit us at:  www.newdaysolar.com.