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The Nation
Watches as
California
Mandates
Solar Power
California has long pushed the envelope on
energy and environmental policies.
Right now, people are abuzz with the California saw the writing on the wall with the mandate,
Energy Commission’s proposed requirements and worked with the commission to maximize
for the the state’s 2020 energy code, which flexibility and minimize implementation costs.
includes mandates on solar energy generation “We knew this was going to pass,” said Bob
for all new residential construction beginning in Raymer, senior engineer and technical director
January 2020. at the California Building Industry Association
The ruling applies to most single-family (CBIA). “We decided we needed to get on this
homes as well as multifamily buildings up to train and see it going down a more affordable
three stories. Options to meet the mandate track. And thanks to our good working
will include installing solar panels on individual relationship with the commission, we were able
homes or joining a community solar system. to keep costs down.”
The 2020 code will also require additional One CBIA victory, he said, was a solar lease
insulation and increased window and appliance option. This will give home owners the choice
efficiencies. to lease solar panels rather than buying them
The California Building Standards Commission upfront.
typically accepts energy commission “It will be some time before we find out whether
recommendations without change. mandating solar panels for homes in California
The solar mandate requirement is being driven is a good idea,” said Craig Drumheller, NAHB
by California’s net zero energy goals. Other Assistant Vice President of Construction, Codes
states and cities across the United States also and Standards. “The high price for electricity
are working toward net zero and excellent solar resources throughout most
goals and may enact of the state make California one of the better
similar requirements. states for this experiment to take place. However,
there is a concern that a large percentage of
the homes with solar systems will not provide a
positive cash flow for the home owner, especially
California builders
outside of California and in unsubsidized
environments.”
However, the new requirements are still likely
to increase the price of a new home. And the
28 JULY 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
