These days, it’s all about Solar in California. California officials have made a historic step forward changing the course of solar panel industry. Wandering what’s all the buzz about? We got some answers for you. California’s new law mandates solar panel requirements for all new houses and buildings. And yes, to go solar on all newly built houses isn’t a new thing because cities San Francisco and South Miami have already mandated similar regulations.

However, it’s a first, one-of-a-kind state law regulating the implementation of rooftop solar systems. While you may think that it’s not that big of a deal and only Californians can do it, it’s a great opportunity for other states like Texas (and the best Solar Panel Companies in Texas) to take the stand and fight for better solar panel regulations and greener future.

Solar panel requirements for every house

A few days ago, California’s new law on solar panel requirements took the state at the forefront of the climate action. The provisions were determined unanimously by the California Energy Commission. The law relies on the set of standards requiring every single new house or apartment (of three stories or fewer) to have some sort of solar solution installed on the roof (adding solar panels to individual houses or creating shared solar panel systems in the neighborhood).

This is just one of the crucial steps which California is taking to make the state reliant to cleaner energy sources. This set of standards is combined with other programs such as California’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative, the 2019 Energy Efficiency Standards, and “50% by 2030” renewable energy standards.

While there are currently opponents to these new regulations, these standards are actually not just good for Californians. They are also a beacon of light for other states and cities, and solar panel companies in Dallas, San Francisco, Miami and other cities across the country can expect states’ support in the future.

Why is California so invested in Solar Energy

Given the reality of the climate crisis, the move is certainly praiseworthy. But the people who have lost homes in the recent wildfires have expressed unhappiness and disappointment. The upfront costs of this new solar solution for their homes are considered high at a time when they are struggling to rebuild their homes. The average costs of the newly installed solar systems go up to $12 000, which is similar to the costs of solar panel installations in Dallas. It’s not just about the costs of the solar panels, but the crisis affecting the local citizens facing additional costs while trying to completely recover their homes.

The Commission received about 300 complaints and over 3 000 comments from stakeholders. Those who proposed the law have already been prepared for this arguing that the energy savings will offset all other current costs, going up to $19 000 over a 30-year period. With a state that’s facing new challenges with energy supply; overall energy savings on a state level will go up to $3.87 billion. They also expect that the prices of solar panels will go down in the future, bearing in mind that the production will increase in the next period. If you want you can read the full report from California Energy Commission here.

The Commission experts have also evaluated costs on a monthly basis with energy savings of $80 per month, while the solar panel costs per month are $40. With California’s goal to make a complete transition to renewable by the end of 2045, these rules and the policy “go solar” for every house will help the state to accelerate the progress in the renewable energy sector.

Could a new solar law happen in Texas?

California Commission experts strongly believe that the costs of having solar panel installations pay for themselves over time and that the state will have huge economic benefits. Could these new law standards happen in Texas as well? Certainly, the best solar panel companies in Texas have the potential to provide their customers what they need. And they need what’s best for them and their families, affordable solar panels and a greener and healthier future. California’s solar law will start in 2020 and the newly established policies can be adopted in any state. More panels provided by solar panel companies in Dallas and other Texas cities means more clean energy and fewer carbon emissions. More houses with solar panel installations in Dallas and other cities means energy savings on a local and state level, and less power coming from dirty power plants (and getting lost during the delivery).

In the past, Texas has faced solar restrictions coming from HOA jurisdiction. Homeowners Association has tried to limit the placement of solar panels in neighborhoods, requiring different standards to be fulfilled before you install a solar panel on your roof. However, Texas officials recognized the problem and created solar access laws to limit the power of the HOA. The move was followed with a myriad of financial benefits in the form of discounted solar loans, rebates and incentives through different government plans, which made it much easier for solar panel installers in Dallas and other cities to provide their services. So where is the state going wrong?

What is the future of solar energy in Texas?

While Texas has great solar power potential and was the 4^th fastest growing solar state last year, the state’s officials have yet to recognize this potential. The benefits of the “go solar” policy are more stable and competitive energy prices, and many local businesses achieving sustainability goals. However, the state still lacks strong solar policies and incentives geared toward supporting the solar energy sector and solar panel companies in Dallas and other cities. By the end of 2020 solar capacity is expected to reach 3000 MW of solar energy, which is enough to power 200 Texas homes. We still need movers and shakers with a clear and strong public policy.

So far, the government has established solar energy goals which were achieved even before the deadline. To push the solar development across the state isn’t just environmentally friendly; it’s also a financially smart thing to do. And whether you choose to buy or lease a solar panel, consider this: Any new house build without a solar panel system is actually a missed opportunity.

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