The California Energy Commission, Sacramento, Calif., has implemented its New Solar Homes Partnership program that encourages builders to install solar energy systems on new homes by providing financial incentives.
A new home that qualifies for the incentive will be at least 15% more efficient than the current energy efficiency standards, and must include Energy Star-rated appliances and a rooftop solar system with a 10-year warranty, the commission says.
‘Our program is intended to transform the new home industry and have consumers ask for solar in their new home to lower their energy bills,’ says Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, chair of the commission.
The program is a component of the California Solar Initiative, which was signed into law in 2006 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger under Senate Bill 1. Senate Bill 1 establishes renewable energy goals for the state, which includes creating 3,000 MW of new solar-produced electricity by 2017.
