Most new California homes built after January 1, 2020, will be required to have solar panels on their roofs. This is part of a new initiative to make the Golden State less dependent on fossil fuels by better utilizing renewable energy.

The initiative became a reality in 2019 when the California Energy Commission approved a bill requiring the solar panels. The bill will affect homeowners, homebuilders, solar energy companies and electric utility companies.

GOAL OF THE BILL

California wants to be a leader when it comes to the use of clean energy and is the first state to require solar panels on new homes. Although similar initiatives have been adopted in the past, the new bill brings renewable energy to the forefront in a way that has not been done before.

PROS AND CONS

Pros: The new initiative is estimated to save as much as $50,000 or more over a 25-year period as the result of installing solar panels. This will make homes more energy independent and less reliable on commercial power. Even during a commercial power outage, homeowners should be able to provide electricity to at least part of their home.

Con: The addition of solar panels could increase the price of new homes by as much as $10,000 or more.

As you can see, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. While home prices will be higher, homeowners will save more in the long run.

Questions about going solar? Contact HES Solar at (619) 350-0032.