A brand new proposal has just sought approval in California that requires solar panels to be built on newly constructed homes. The aim of this is to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions even though it will have the extra cost tied to it when construction is complete. However, it also has the advantage of cutting back on utility expenses within a household. The proposal would go into effect in 2020.
California is the only state in the United States to propose and accept this proposal which isn't really surprising given their reputation in environmental regulatory efforts. The state will also be the first to make it such a requirement. Other cities like San Francisco and South Miami, Florida only have the requirements for residential solar panel.
It would only cover low-rise residential buildings with exception to houses that are in the shade for most of the day. It was approved on Wednesday by the California Energy Commission on Wednesday, but the Building Standards Commission needs to approve it still.
The support for this plan was varied with representatives from construction groups, public utilities and solar manufacturers all chiming in for years while the plan was being setup. Industry groups did not speak in opposition to this plan. The downside to this is that California cannot afford to pay for housing in the state's expensive market.
Solar panels will help to reduce costs on utility bills in California. (Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
An upfront cost of $9,365 will have to be expected, on average for the requirement, according to this report brought up by the state. The savings cost on utilities will help to even out the cost, but the sales point is still concerning for developers, real estate agents and some homebuyers. Due to California's methods in calculating their electric bills, it might affect other ratepayers by causing an increase in their overall bill expenses.
The electricity consumers produce with their installed solar panels allows them to get credit via net metering which will allow them to have a cheaper utility bill. However, they would still be on the grid, and the costs associated with that don't decrease when it's being taken into account. Depending on where the consumer is located in California has a lot to say about how much it will affect others, but it could cost ratepayers more money. As it has been calculated, it could cost customers up to $65 per year per customer.
Requiring solar panels to be mandatory in California will be costly, but it's the easiest way, but it is the only way to ensure the new homes produces as much electricity as it uses.
A new report has been issued on the consequences of climate change in California which was released the same day the California Energy Commission approved the new regulations. The new report linked dying trees, retreating glaciers, warming waters, droughts and wildfires to global warming.
There has been a noticeable decrease in greenhouse gas emission despite the populace increasing which is credited to California's "pioneering policies" intended to cut down on emissions.
The new transition to the mandatory solar panels has been expected for years while the utility companies support large-scale models of solar panels instead of rooftop power. Giving the advantage of it reducing costs for solar power.
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