California is Requiring All New Houses Built To Have Solar Paneled Homes

Brenna O'Brien, Staff Writer

The state of California is known for having clean energy goals. Unfortunately, solar paneling costs are high, adding on to California’s already expensive housing. However, state officials say that the cost of energy bills will be lower once solar panels are required, which will balance out the expenses. New Jersey has considered requiring solar panels for new construction. In terms of electric bills, a new rate structure is coming next year. It will charge customers from California based on the time of day that the customers use electricity. The benefit of this is that customers with energy efficient components allow energy to be stored and used more efficiently. This provides lesser costs for using electricity. Based on a 30-year mortgage, residential home owners will have to pay $40 monthly. However, they can save $80 on cooling and heating and lighting bills. California was by far the leader in in installed solar energy by the end of 2017. Approximately 16 percent of California’s electricity, and the solar power industry employs over 86,000 workers. Maybe soon New Jersey will convert to a solar powered environment. Solar panels can save money, and they are good for the environment. They are beneficial for everyone. Solar panels are the future.