All New Homes In Sacramento Will Have To Have Solar Panels
By Admin on May 10, 2018
California is the first state to require new homes to include solar panels. The new standards were approved yesterday by the California Energy Commission, according to Buzzfeed.
The CE Commissioner, Andrew McAllister, said that “buildings will perform better than ever, at the same time they contribute to a reliable grid.”
As of January 1, 2020, new homes and apartment buildings up to three stories will require solar panels. The change is part of a push to make California greener. Also, it’ll help lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that the change will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700,000 metric tons over three years.
Officials say overtime homeowners will save money. However, the added solar panels will initially make homes more expensive. Which is a bummer, because they are already pretty expensive in Sacramento.
Apparently it will cost about $9,500 more to buy a house. But, it will save around $19,000 over 30 years in the form of reduced energy bills.
The commission said mortgage payments are likely to increase by $40 a month. But, utilities will be down by $80 a month for new homeowners.
So, what do you think about the new rule? I think it sucks that homes will be more expensive, since they aren’t cheap in Sacramento. But, it really is needed to protect the environment. So, I think in the long run it’ll be good for the state and the world.
