California: Starting in 2020, Most New Homes Must Include a Solar Power System
May 9th, 2018Disclosure: I sell solar power systems in New Zealand.
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I’m such strident solar power advocate that, when the topic comes up, people in the room who know me roll their eyes and think, “Oh god, here we go again…”
My wife and I have had 5kW of panels on our roof since 2014 and I’ve been selling solar power systems since then.
We have the highest electricity prices in New Zealand combined with 3rd world style grid reliability. With our solar system, we have reduced our dependence on the grid by about 80%. We hope to deal with that remaining 20% with a Tesla Powerwall. The Powerwall will also provide full house backup. We export more power than we use, so we will be very close to 100% independent from the grid with solar plus storage provided by the Powerwall.
In other words: I like solar power. A lot.
What do I think about this news from California?
Solar power is a libertarian technology and it saddens me to see it shoved down people’s throats by the maniac state government in California.
Additionally, I have always been against building codes, and this is just more insanity piled on top.
If you’re looking at this solar power situation in California from somewhere else, and holding your head in your hands: Please don’t let ridiculous government policies taint your view of the technology. Do the math for yourself to determine whether solar power makes sense for you, or not.
Via: GTM:
Starting in 2020, virtually all new homes in California will be required to incorporate advanced efficiency measures and rooftop solar — in an historic development for clean energy in the state.
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Updates to the Title 24 standards are projected to reduce home energy use by 53 percent compared to the current code, saving Californians $1.7 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years. This calculation, conducted by the CEC, does not take into account increased energy demands or a reductions in technology costs, which could result in even greater savings over time.
The new rules apply specifically to all new residences and major home renovations on buildings under three stories, starting on January 1, 2020. In the event a building isn’t suitable for a rooftop array, the standards require homes have access to community solar or offset energy usage through additional efficiency gains, while some homes may be exempt.
@Kevin, Do you have your own water supply? Just curious to see if you will be totally independent after becoming power independent; although I imagine you have property taxes, but hopefully not nearly as horrific as mine (2.49% yearly)
We have our own water supply.
Not sure what you mean by “totally independent,” but pretty much in no sense are we totally independent.
The Powerwall would get us very close in terms of electricity. July (dead of winter) can be very dark/bad for solar power. We wouldn’t totally make it under normal circumstances, even with the Powerwall, in July. It all comes down to hot water use.
Even though we produce a lot of our own vegetables and all of the beef we eat is from our own cows, I go to a grocery store every week. I buy fuel for the car and propane every few months. etc. etc.
We hardly drive, though. Definitely not worth going to an electric van like a used Nissan ENV200.
I was just thinking along the lines of housing, water, and power. As you say there are a lot of other “necessities” such as internet, fuel, food, clothing, etc…
Oh yeah, house, water and power: That’s all sorted. Well… Nearly. We’re six in a house meant for two or maybe three people maximum. We’re going to need to get the boys a sleepout soon.
We have done much more in the past. Milking cows, making butter and cheese, growing more vegetables, slaughtering chickens, fermenting, on and on. It’s mostly on farmlet.co.nz to see.
We ran into quality of life issues. Just because we can do a lot more, doesn’t mean its a good idea at the moment. With four young children—homeschooling three and the youngest in nappies—we’re more focused on getting through the day than anything else.
It’s hard to find organic fruit and vegetables here, never mind what they would cost, so we’re really going hard on growing our own greens. Our beef is also totally clean and the quality is unbelievable. We’re very lucky.
We’re going to be doing more again. Our children see the benefits of producing our own food. As they get a bit older, we’ll be more self sufficient again.