California Might Require the Installation of Solar Panels on All New Constructions

The State of California has to deal with some of the most expensive energy costs in the United States. However, with sunshine throughout most of the year, the state is now looking at offsetting energy costs by requiring all new constructions to include solar panels.

While this may increase the initial cost of construction, it has the potential to substantially increase the energy production. It would also allow homeowners to pay for much of their own energy usage through the new solar panels.

California Energy Commission members are expected to cast their votes on these new regulations on Wednesday. If they are passed, the regulations will require most new homes to include solar panels by 2020.

Current records indicate that around 15 percent to 20 percent homes in California already have solar paneling.

 

In 2007, the state set out to reach a zero net energy standard for all homes by 2020. This means that a house would have to generate as much energy as it used. However, these standards are not yet possible as home energy production methods are unable to produce this kind of energy at an affordable price as of yet.

 

With the new renewable energy mandate, the state believes most constructions would have the ability to generate anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of the electricity they use on site.

Other regions around the world have put in place similar requirements in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Not only did these renewable energy methods help reduce the amount of energy used, but they also helped cut back on the cost of oil and other forms of fuel within the respective regions as well.

 

As for the United States, California would be the very first to vote this state-wide solar panel installation requirement in the country. Some cities across the nation do have such mandates, but none are statewide.

According to critics, a downside of this new solar panels mandate would be the cost. Namely, it could increase both the cost of new constructions both in building and buying the new property.  On its part, the California Energy Commission says that electrical savings would offset these costs.