Paving the way for greener homes, California may become the first US state to require solar panels on new homes built after January 1, 2020.
The ruling is part of the California Energy Commission’s newly-instituted 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions “by an amount equivalent to taking 115,000 fossil fuel cars off the road (1).” Along with the addition of solar panels, new California homes will also have to meet updated thermal envelope standards and ventilation systems to prevent heat transfer and minimize air pollution between indoor and outdoor sources.
All told, homes built in accordance with the 2019 standards should use about 53 percent less energy than those built under the existing 2016 standards. On average, about 80,000 homes are built in California each year, enabling the state to do its part by helping Californians generate their own clean energy.
So what does this mean for you as a new homeowner? The good news is that ALL homeowners will eventually save green, by going green. According to the California Energy Commission, the upfront cost of adhering to the 2019 standards will add $9,500 of constructing costs, but save an average homeowner $19,000 over the next 30 years. This translates to roughly paying $40 more per month for an average home, but saving $80 in monthly heating, cooling and lighting bills (1). And, did you know that installing a solar system could potentially increase the value of your home? According to an article by EnergySage.com, solar panels could increase a home’s property value by 3 to 4 percent (3).
Moving forward, homes will cost less to operate, have healthy indoor air and provide a platform for ‘smart’ technologies that will propel the state even further down the road to a low-emissions future, taking steps to combat climate change, rooftop by rooftop. This makes going solar, by far, the smartest investment for your home, family, and the environment.
The experts at Solar Optimum are fully equipped to install required solar rooftops in California. Solar Optimum has been in business for a decade and helped thousands of homeowners across Southern California save money every month on their rising electric bill. Our team has a tremendous amount of experience in design, engineering and construction. Unlike other solar providers, we do not take short cuts. Every solar project for each home is custom designed to your exact needs and specifications.
Moreover, Solar Optimum offers one of the best warranties available as a premiere solar installer. Imagine a 25-year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty on the solar panels, inverter, workmanship, roof and performance guarantee. The warranties provided are transferable. Most solar companies only give the warranty to the original purchaser of the solar system. In these cases, if you sell your home, the new homeowner does not enjoy the solar system warranty coverage.
There’s no better time than now to start thinking about a solar system for your home in California. Looking for a free, 45 minute in-home consultation quote? Contact to a Solar Optimum energy consultant to learn about our monthly promotions and our tier-one solar products.
Operate your home with power of the sun and solar excellence. Call Solar Optimum, your trusted provider in solar energy and energy savings at (818) 804-3122 or click here for a free quote.
1. https://newatlas.com/california-homes-solar-panels/54569/ 2. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-california-solarrule-20180508-story.html 3. https://www.energysage.com/solar/why-go-solar/increased-property-values
