SOMAH 2020

Set to take effect in January 2020, California will require solar panels be added to new housing developments; setting the tone for the new phase of California’s environmental policies. This new standard will include an exemption for houses that are often shaded from the sun. It will also include incentives for people to add a high-capacity battery to their home’s electrical system to store a higher amount of energy. Single-family and multi-family homes that are three stories high must conform to the new solar power standard. 

Drew Bohan, executive director of the energy commission, said in 2016, “New homes that are built under these standards are expected to use 53 percent less energy than our last standards.” Although there will be an added upfront cost when developing the home with solar, over time, the costs will balance out as the owner will have a significant decrease in electricity bills. “Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, the owner will be seeing a savings of close to $19,000,” stated Bohan.

In September, the CEC stated they were at 32% of achieving the goal of being completely carbon-neutral energy across California. Within 30 years, the plan is to succeed at 100%. Bohan also mentioned that the policies that have come to fruition over the last 40 years, have saved residents billions of dollars and have cut back energy consumption substantially. 

Spectrum Energy Development is working proactively to prepare for this standard. We work collaboratively with developers, contractors, etc to guarantee multi-family housing projects secure the most up to date incentives and tax write offs for their investments. Our team will work with you as your partner to make sure you are compliant with the new standards. The time to start planning and integrating these changes is now. With only a few months left in 2019, our team can help you feel comfortable rolling out the new plans when January hits. For more information, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call today for our assistance: 916-330-4425 or Email: [email protected]