Often at the leading edge of government mandates and bans, California has just become the first state in the nation to mandate solar panels for all new homes built after 2020. On May 9, California’s Energy Commission unanimously approved the new policy in a move it estimates will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700,000 metric tons over a three year period. It is, however, widely acknowledged that the new requirement will add roughly $10,000 – and some builders estimate much more – to the construction cost for a new single-family home in California’s already expensive market.
California is often a bellwether state on environmental and energy conservation issues. Time will tell whether California’s sun-splashed neighboring states and others see a similar solar panel requirement for new home construction.