California to Require Residential PV Systems in 2020

Moving to cut energy use in new homes by more than 50 percent, the California Energy Commission has adopted energy-efficient building standards that will require solar photovoltaic systems starting in 2020. The standards, which are the first in the nation to require solar, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 115,000 gas-fueled cars off the road.

The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which take effect on January 1, 2020, focus on four key areas: smart residential photovoltaic systems, updated thermal envelope standards (preventing heat transfer from the interior to exterior and vice versa), residential and nonresidential ventilation requirements, and nonresidential lighting requirements. Concrete building envelope systems have been proven to reduce operational energy use and exceed the most stringent energy-efficiency building standards.

Build With Strength, a coalition led by NRMCA, promotes concrete building systems through communications, project promotion, education and advocacy, and can help leverage sustainable standards to help place more concrete. To learn more about these programs or for more information on how local energy policies can help you, contact Tien Peng at tpeng@nrmca.org or 206-913-8535.