
Are Solar Panels Required on All New California Homes?
The controversial 2018 law, which went into effect January 1, might have a loophole.
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CategoryDesign, Homes + Spaces, Makers + Entrepreneurs, Sustainability
Back in May 2018, the Energy Commission voted to require most new single-family homes, as well as multifamily residential buildings up to three stories, be built with solar panels. But the commission also offered an alternate route to compliance—which many solar companies are labeling an “escape clause”—saying utilities, home developers, solar companies, government agencies or other entities could propose “community solar” programs that would offset the need for rooftop solar on new construction.
Critics of the loophole say that offsite-solar solutions aren’t as efficient and don’t provide the same benefits of rooftop solar, which, when paired with a battery solution to harness power, can help aid California’s residents when the city needs to implement rolling blackouts in the hot summer months.
To read up on the new law and what critics are saying about the work-around, click here.
The Library Sessions: RIVVRS
Raised in Northern California and now living in LA, RIVVRS warmed up for his US tour at the Golden State office for an installment of The Library Sessions.
Next Year California Will Be the First State to Mandate Solar Power for New Homes
The effort is part of the state’s push to wean off fossil fuels and combat climate change.
The Nation’s First-Ever Cannabis Cafe Will Open in West Hollywood
Lowell Cafe will open its doors on September 1, but not everyone is thrilled.