The California Energy Commission will decide on new energy standards for residential construction this week.
"Now, California is on the verge of making solar standard on virtually every new home built in the Golden State," reports Jeff Collins.
The California Energy Commission will vote next week on new energy standards mandating solar panels for most new homes starting in 2020.
The decision to require solar marks a departure from a potential standard that requires net zero energy standards. Collins includes a discussion of the distinction between these two policy paths.
As for the details of the new energy standards, Collins reports: "The new solar mandate would apply to all houses, condos and apartment buildings up to three stories tall that obtain building permits after Jan. 1, 2020." There are exceptions, which Collins lists in the article.
Another important angle for the new energy requirements are the additional cost solar arrays and other features of the proposed energy standard will add to housing construction. "The new energy standards add about $25,000 to $30,000 to the construction costs compared with homes built to the 2006 code," according to estimates cited in the article.
FULL STORY: California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on new homes
Details of the Golden State's Residential Solar Requirement
San Francisco Chronicle energy reporter David R. Baker sheds some light on the nation's first state building code requiring that solar panels be included in new home construction, adopted by the California Energy Commission on May 9.
‘Passive House’ Standard Gaining Ground in Multifamily Housing
Developers in Chicago and around the country are taking notice of a design standard that encourages energy efficiency and sustainable materials.
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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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