California was the first state in the USA to require solar systems on the roofs of new buildings. The new regulation, the California Solar Mandate, came into force in 2020.
The California Solar Mandate - All Information on the New Requirments Since 2020
Solar power will no longer be just a possible add-on, but a standard that will save the homeowner money in the long run and improve the environment. California’s environmental policies are always acting as pioneers for the whole country. Hopefully this time too. The state has set itself the goal to get 100 percent of its used energy from renewable energies in order to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California solar mandate, which is part of an initiative of the California Energy Commission, states that the 50 percent mark should already be reached by 2030.
We consider this an important step towards a greener future. We, therefore, support our customers in California with advice and the implementation of solar projects when California goes green. If you are planning to build your own home in California or you are a housing developer, we can help you build a solar system on a California house or property.
We try to answer some important questions:
1. Is it mandatory in California to have solar on new houses?
It is mandatory for all houses whose building permit has been applied for from January 1st, 2020.
2. Does the requirement apply to all types of buildings?
No, it only applies to buildings that are less than three stories high. Higher buildings are not obliged to do so.
3. How large does a solar system have to be to meet the requirements of the California Solar Mandate?
It must be able to compensate for 100 percent of electricity consumption. If other energy-efficient improvements have been made, such as energy storage or green building materials, the system can be correspondingly smaller.
4. Does this mean that you have to balance out electricity consumption 100 percent?
“Not quite. New dwellings don’t need to be zero net energy (with 100% of the home’s energy use offset by PV production). Instead, they must be designed to achieve zero net electricity, with 100% of the unit’s electricity production offset by solar.”
5. How much does a solar PV system cost?
The average price for a solar residential system is $2.85. That means a 10KW system is $28,500. On average, solar systems currently installed on homes in California are 6.8 kilowatts large.
6. What are the savings with solar?
Looking ahead to the next 30 years, solar panels on your roof will save you an average of $19,000. The value of your home will also increase. At the same time, the price of electricity will continue to rise, so you will save more and more. With your own solar system, you will no longer be dependent on the utility companies.
