California has become the first state in the nation to mandate solar panels for all new homes, in a move to cut greenhouse gas emissions that critics say will end up raising home prices in the already expensive market.
In a unanimous 5-0 vote Wednesday, the California Energy Commission approved the policy.
The regulation will require all homes and apartments built after 2020 to have solar panels, adding an average of roughly $10,000 to construction costs for a single-family home. On the flip side, the commission says, the panels could yield much more in energy savings.
Spokeswoman for the Energy Commission Amber Beck told Fox News that under the new standards, new homes would be expected to reduce energy use by more than 50 percent. She argued that the change will lead to savings in the long run.
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16 comments:
Wow, there is so much involved in this that most people don't understand. And not only is the initial cost expensive, it also costs you more to replace your roof because you have to have it all uninstalled and then reinstalled.
Nothing like a little Californication.
Eyesore and eventually end up in landfill.
California was also the first state to mandate Fire Sprinklers on ALL homes built. Then Maryland did the same thing and it's now the law.
Maybe Maryland will be the next state to mandate solar panels on all homes. Wouldn't surprise me.
"adding an average of roughly $10,000 to construction costs for a single-family home."
That figure is total BS. Notice they say add to construction costs. But will add over 20K to the home price and when you add the cost of interest on the mortgage closer to 40k.
Kinda like mandating sprinklers systems.....
6:16
And if you want energy storage (batteries) then add another $10,000
Solar panels only last about 10 years, so expect the expense to just keep on coming.
That would be death to the Eastern Shore building
Government once again telling taxpayers how to spend their money.
They emit radiation into the home continuously
I seem to remember Elon Musk showing his prototype solar powered shingles last year. This should definitely get that going. Much more appeal. Would almost be like comparing the old satellite dishes of the 80's to new ones, but that analogy really doesn't give it the credit it's due. Hopefully becomes a reality now. My electric bill isn't bad most of the time, but it sure was this last January. Even having gas heat. The government should have solar power on all buildings before they force it on the citizens, at least to show cost per benefits for each building to prove their arguments. I know there are tax breaks, and roughly 10k is a total B.S. figure. It depends on where their control group was situated. Sounds like the average price for a 700 s.f. rancher. If it was only 10k, everyone would likely have them. As the world turns.
I would love a system that made me totally independent from the gready grid. Wind solar combo? But it needs to be as cheap..a 10 year solars shingle?
Solar panel sales are down California's big government passes a LAW YOU MUST purchase solar panels. What a racket!
15.107.010 Sprinkler system required – New construction.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems installation shall be required for all new residential construction where the portion of the building occupied as a residence exceeds 4,000 square feet as measured from the inside surface of exterior walls, and for multifamily dwellings (LCMC 15.10.390), commercial, industrial and public use construction. [Ord. 778 § 2, 2000.]
A state board in California has approved a proposal to require solar panels on all new homes beginning in 2020, a measure that would increase the cost of new construction but provide savings on utilities — and help the state meet ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The new rule in California would cover all low-rise residential buildings, although houses that are frequently in the shade are exempt. It applies only to new construction.
The California Energy Commission approved the new regulation on Wednesday; the Building Standards Commission still needs to approve it, The Associated Press reports.
A report commissioned by the state found that the requirement will have an average upfront cost of $9,365. Utility savings will balance out that cost over the long term, but the higher sales point will still hurt developers, real estate agents and some homebuyers.
"Representatives from construction groups, public utilities and solar manufacturers all spoke in support of the plan, which they've helped the commission develop for years," the AP reports. "No industry groups spoke in opposition."
Photovoltaic (PV) modules typically come with 20 year warranties that guarantee that the panels will produce at least 80% of the rated power after 20 years of use. The general rule of thumb is that panels will degrade by about 1% each year.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) performed a meta-analysis of studies that examined the long term degradation rates of various PV panels. They found that the 1% per year rule was somewhat pessimistic for panels made prior to the year 2000, and today’s panels, with better technology and improved manufacturing techniques, have even more stamina than their predecessors. For monocrystalline silicon, the most commonly used panel for commercial and residential PV, the degradation rate is less than 0.5% for panels made before 2000, and less than 0.4% for panels made after 2000. That means that a panel manufactured today should produce 92% of its original power after 20 years, quite a bit higher than the 80% estimated by the 1% rule.
Remember, they will need new inspectors, new reg's and guidelines, new boards and commissions, new fees and fines, and a lot of new state employees.
California is so special.
I forgot to mention new taxes, too.
Keep cheering.
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