California on Wednesday became the first US state to require solar panels on all new residential buildings as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The California Energy Commission said the new building standards, adopted unanimously by its members, will go into effect on January 1, 2020.

“We are the first, we will not be the last,” commissioner David Hochschild said after the new mandate was adopted. “This is a landmark vote today.”

According to the plan, homeowners could expect to pay 40 US dollars more on their mortgage, but should save 80 US dollars a month on heating, cooling and lighting bills.

The commission said the new standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 115,000 fossil fuel cars off the road.

Members said they expect other states to follow suit in the coming years.


http://www.vondanews.com/california-becomes-first-us-state-to-embrace-solar-energy-on-new-homes/