Image: BP Solar
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Image: BP Solar |
"This bill simply requires that builders phase in solar systems
during construction, reducing energy costs and air pollution at the same
time."
- Senator Kevin Murray (D-26), author of the bill
Sacramento, California - May 19, 2004 [SolarAccess.com]
The California State Senate passed a bill that will require builders of new
housing developments to install solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems on a
percentage of new homes beginning in 2006. Such a requirement will help make the
solar energy systems cost effective and help address anticipated energy
shortages while preventing air pollution.
If the new bill (SB 1652) makes its way through the California legislature
unscathed, developers building more than 25 homes at a time could be required to
install a certain amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) power on some of the homes.
"Solar power is much more cost-effective when included in the construction
of new homes," said Senator Kevin Murray (D-26), author of the bill.
"This bill simply requires that builders phase in solar systems during
construction, reducing energy costs and air pollution at the same time."
SB 1652 originally articulated a 25 percent minimum standard. The Senate Housing
Committee voted a couple weeks ago to remove that percentage for the time being,
approving language requiring a minimum standard beginning in 2006.
Solar power works best when it is needed most: during summer afternoons. SB 1652
would offset thousands of pounds of pollution during the smoggiest months of the
year and prevent the need to build new natural gas power plants.
"Several large scale housing developments have already begun offering new
solar homes," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Energy Advocate for Environment
California, sponsor of the bill. "By creating a larger market, this bill
will help drive down the cost of PV making it available to the mainstream
homebuyer."
California remains dependent on non-renewable energy resources such as fossil
fuel and nuclear power plants for 90% of its electricity. While the state has
recently required utility companies to double renewable energy purchases by
2017, less than 1% of the state's electricity will come from solar power in the
coming years.
"Our over-reliance on polluting power plants is what got us into an energy
crisis in the first place," added Del Chiaro. "Solar homes not only
save money and protect our health, they can also help stabilize California's
electric grid."
Approximately 135,000 single-family homes are built each year in California. A
25 percent minimum standard would bring about 65 megawatts of solar energy,
equivalent to the size of power plant and three times California's current solar
market.
SB 1652 is similar to last year's SB 289, also authored by Murray and sponsored
by Environment California. SB 289 stalled in the Senate last year. SB 1652 will
be voted on next on the Senate Floor.
If it goes all the way to the Governor's desk, the bills stands a good chance at
becoming law. During his successful bid for the governor's seat, Arnold
Schwarzenegger indicated his support for similar measures.
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