California First State to Force Homebuilders to Include Solar Panels on New Homes

The California Energy Commission is forcing homebuilders to include solar panels in new construction, which will take full effect in two years and will help the state meet its Agenda 21 goal of supplying 50% of its electricity with solar by 2030. Low cost housing is already in short supply, and the mandate will add as much as $12,000 to the cost of a new home. More than 30% of people in the state’s metro areas cannot afford housing in their area, and in some areas it is higher than 60%. [...]