California Passes Solar Panel Law

California regulators wednesday approved a historic plan to mandate rooftop solar panels on most new single family homes built in the state.

California passes solar panel law.

The law requires all new homes to have solar panels. Existing law requires california utilities to generate 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like solar wind and geothermal power by 2020. They have already met that requirement. State law requires at least 50 percent of california s electricity to come from noncarbon producing sources by 2030.

This particular law includes protections to allow consumer access to sunlight and also limits the ability of homeowner s associations and local government to pass laws or rules preventing the installation of solar energy systems. In the state of california the solar rights act passed in 1978. Hcd is the state s leader on local adu ordinances which while optional. The california energy commission s action is expected.

Cities with the highest percentage of home solar panels are already in california and more than six percent of homes. Part of the motivation for the new policy is california s. Accessory dwelling units adus have been known by many names. Granny flats in law units backyard cottages secondary units and more.

By now you might have heard that california passed a law requiring all newly built homes to be equipped with a solar power system. The mandate which comes from the california energy commission cec will take effect in 2020 making solar power even more common in a state that already boasts about half the country s solar generating capacity. No matter what you call them adus are an innovative affordable effective option for adding much needed housing in california. Earlier this month california became the first state to require all new homes to have solar power.

Solar panels on a southern california home.