Solar Power Required For New Homes In California

Energy Commission Requires Solar Power For New Home Construction

Once again, California takes the lead. A recent vote of the California Energy Commission paves the way for solar power required for new homes constructed in 2020 and beyond. Joe Parker and Garrett McCaw, a top-tier real estate team in Santa Barbara CA, have a video about the new law, as well as an article discussing California’s big step to require solar power on new home construction by 2020.

Joe Parker On The Solar Power Required in California

 Solar Power Required For New Homes In California – The Story

The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, LA Times and many other news sources were quite to announce the May 9th vote by the California Energy Commision requiring most homes built after January 1st, 2020 to be equipped with solar power.  According to an article in the New York Times, builders can use rooftop panels or neighborhood solar arrays that power multiple homes.

According to a few sources, California home builders are generally in agreement with the mandate.  Many knew it had to happen sooner or later to help achieve the State’s lofty alternative energy goals.

“Adoption of these standards represents a quantum leap in statewide building standards,” Bob Raymer, senior engineer of the California Building Industry Association, said during the meeting before the vote. “You can bet the other 49 states will be watching closely what happens.”

While many Californians cheer the decision, some are worried about higher home costs. Based on current solar system costs, the ruling could raise new home prices by $10,000 – $15,000. The additional costs, considered high in many parts of the country, are less impactful in CA. In Santa Barbara, the additional cost will add less than 1% to the average home’s price tag.

Solar Power Required For New Homes In California – The Winners

The upside for homeowners is reduced energy bills.  Most agree the additional costs will be more than offset by energy savings.  Andrew McAllister with the State Energy Commission reportedly said, “Any additional amount in the mortgage is more than offset. It’s good for the customer.”

With groups like Community Environmental Council (CEC) providing longterm energy blueprints for Santa Barbara County, residential solar panels are commonplace and not the mystery they were a decade ago. The change requiring solar power for new construction will likely have little pushback. Likewise, Los Angeles and San Diego already lead the nation in energy produced by solar panels and many homeowners want to pay utilities like SCE and SDG&E as little as possible.

Providers of solar energy will also benefit from solar power being required for new home construction.  According to an article in the LA Times, California already provides over 75,000 jobs (2016) and the numbers are expected to rise with this new policy.

“Solar power is a bright spot in California’s economy, bringing jobs and economic development to every corner of the state,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the solar association. “While conventional energy industries are losing jobs, we are seeing record growth, and bringing clean air and climate solutions along the way.” (courtesy of article in LA Times.)

The solar industry provides a wide variety of skilled and good paying jobs. There are engenerring, manufacturing, sales, construction and other jobs types that support the industry.

As much as many grow tired of the regulations imposed by the various State and local building codes, solar may be more palatable. The swing to renewable energy sources and dream of being off the grid is attractive to many in Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Group Is Here For You

Speaking of calling the Santa Barbara area home, please know we, Joe and Garrett, are here to answer your questions. We can help you find a great place to live. or professionally market and sell the place you have. We will work hard to give you the best real estate experience imaginable.

Call us if you have questions and in the meantime, we hope you have a great life.

Joe Parker & Garrett McCaw
The Santa Barbara Group
Berkshire Hathaway HSCA