A California state senator has introduced a bill that would require the installation of solar power on new commercial and residential buildings statewide.
If the proposal were to become law, it would be the first such requirement in U.S. history, according to a press release by Scott Wiener, the legislator behind the bill. The statewide mandate would be similar to a city law that Wiener wrote and helped pass in 2016 as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
The board approved the city ordinance last year that required new small and midsized buildings in San Francisco to include solar. Some other California cities have enacted similar solar mandates.
According to current California state law, all new residential and commercial buildings up to 10 stories tall must have 15% of their roof area solar ready—defined as unshaded and free of obtrusions. The proposed new legislation would require that solar be installed on the 15% of solar-ready roof area. The solar mandate could be fulfilled by either photovoltaic or solar water systems.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2021
The 15-minute city may not work in much of North America
Segregated neighborhoods and car-centric cities may not adapt to the European model.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2021
Think tank offers plan for new approach to reduce neighborhood poverty
Strategy uses more targeted approach to invest in low-income areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2021
California city bans construction of new gas stations
Existing stations will not be allowed to add more pumps.
Codes and Standards | Mar 18, 2021
Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs
Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021
Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings
Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021
Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments
Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2021
Los Angeles commits to carbon-free city buildings
City will take into account embedded carbon when contracting to buy construction products.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2021
‘Smart retrofitting’ will be crucial to net zero aspirations
AI, analytical software, Internet of Things are keys to decarbonization of built environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2021
Salt Lake City is first jurisdiction to adopt new standards for off-site construction
Code Council and Modular Building Institute developing standards and compliance protocols.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2021
Hyperlocal zoning could spur more affordable housing construction
Letting blocks and streets pass their own rules could have impact.
