Mandatory Solar Panels - Del Sol Energy

The California bill that requires all new builds in California to have mandatory solar panels starting in 2020 is not news. May 2018 is when the news broke and there has been a consistent stream of confusion from customers ever since.

What California Bill?

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California has become the first state in the country to require all new houses to have mandatory solar panels. California has been a leader in clean energy adoption from the start and continues to be a trailblazer. The mandate is aimed at lowering the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. And with recent reports about the alarming, and potentially devastating impact global warming and climate change has on our world.

What Are the Benefits?

The largest benefit is that there will an increase in renewable energy dependence in the state of California. The less electricity produced by burning fossil fuels, the less greenhouse gas emissions will be released into the air and water. Scientists agree that global warming and climate change is correlated to the greenhouse effect. This is where gases such as water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide stop heat from escaping from the Earth into space. An increase in drought, famine and wildfires are a consequence.

What Should You Be Concerned About

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The idea of protecting the environment in the crux of climate devastation is ideal. However, the mandate DOES NOT specify how large a system must be installed. Most newly constructed homes come with a standard 8 panels. In our community, that is approximately 30% of energy production that a family would actually need to completely offset their energy use. That means that the home, even with solar, is still dependent on the utility grid.

For a someone purchasing a new home, there are several consequences. New homes will sell for an average of $10,000 more with solar installed than they would sell without. And although solar is a desirable amenity, it makes purchasing a home in California’s very expensive market, even more expensive, even out-of-reach for some families.

Second, people will still have to pay for electricity from the traditional utility grid. And if they do want a complete offset, that means that a new solar installation would need to be purchased and installed. This just adds to the price of the house.

Final Thoughts

As a local solar installer, there is no doubt that we support solar. The more people that have solar, the better the environment, the better the local job market and the healthier the community. However, this mandate will weigh heavily on the shoulders of homeowners and individuals seeking to buy a home.

We support solar. But, we also know that having a small system installed, just for the sake of installation, is not productive.

It will not save a homeowner money.
It will not offset much greenhouse emissions.
It will not benefit people, or the environment.

The best way to have solar installed on your home is with a local solar installer. Your residential solar system should be designed to offset your needs and electrical usages. Not just built to answer to a legal mandate. When you are ready for a full solar installation, reach out to our offices for a quote today.