California Passes Solar Panel Mandate

[Alex Bekeza]

California recently signed a mandate requiring most new homes in the state to include solar panels after 2020. California is the first state to do so, but it likely won't be the last, with New Jersey and Minnesota pursuing increased reliance on solar.

Despite criticisms of the mandate, the trend towards increased solar use will continue as economies of scale push prices down, utilities pivot their business models and the economic and health benefits of decreased reliance on the grid and fossil fuels are revealed over time.

The measure, approved by California regulators in a unanimous decision on Wednesday May 9, 2018, will require all new residential buildings, including apartments and condos that are three stories or fewer, to have rooftop solar panels starting in 2020.

The California Energy Commission, the body responsible for approving the decision, estimated the panels will tack on approximately $9,500 in additional construction fees but save homeowners $19,000 in energy bills over the course of 30 years.

Reactions are split on this.  I wanted to see how the Bigger Pockets community would weight in.. Any thoughts???