Yesterday, May 9th, 2018, in a landslide vote of 5-0 the California Energy Commission voted to require solar on all new homes starting January 1, 2020. The Commission estimates that new solar will increase costs of about $40 per month for homeowners but should save them $80 per month on energy costs.

The ruling modifies Title 24 of the California Code of regulations, specifically Part 6, and also affects non-residential buildings lighting systems. The goal is to build more energy efficient properties, better indoor air quality and a reduction of green house gas emissions. With the changes implemented they estimate that new houses will be 53% more energy efficient than those built based on the most recent 2016 standards.

While we have our doubts about actual savings estimates overtime because of the recent changes made by many utility companies to change their rate structure for solar powered properties, we remain optimistic that this change will move California forward as being a leader in energy efficiency.

Read more about the Commissions ruling here:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2019standards/documents/2018_Title_24_2019_Building_Standards_FAQ.pdf