Mandatory solar panels announced for Californian homes

California has become the first US state to announce that all new homes built after 1 January 2020 will be required to feature solar panels as part of a series of sweeping new energy efficiency standards.

The California Energy Commission said the new requirements would help cut energy use by more than 50%, and apply to both apartment buildings and houses.

Other measures include new lighting upgrades and ventilation improvements, along with updated thermal envelope standards – cutting emissions equivalent to taking 115,000 fossil fuel cars off the road.

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