This Blog comes from several sources, all focused on one trend, the transition from fossil fuels to solar power.  The forecast for such a transition was made decades ago; now it’s happening.

Entire countries, such as the U.S. or Great Britain, seem slower to respond, perhaps due to their greater diversity of interests. But it’s a clear – and positive – growing trend that will help eliminate the climate crisis and the increasing numbers of destructive climate-based events.

This transition will also increase power reliability, as the sun comes up every day. And it’ll also slash the cost of electricity.  Comments afterwards.

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National & State-wide Mandates:

• California, USA: Since January 1, 2020, California’s Energy Code (Title 24) has required most new residential and commercial construction to include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This mandate covers most new single-family homes and multi-family buildings up to three stories tall.

• Tokyo, Japan: Starting in April 2025, a new regulation will require major homebuilders to install rooftop solar panels on newly constructed detached homes. The mandate applies to buildings with a total floor area of less than 2,000 square meters.

• European Union: As part of its Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the EU is progressively rolling out requirements for solar installations on buildings.

• 2027: Solar power will be required for all new public buildings where feasible.
• 2029: This requirement will extend to all new private buildings.
• 2030: The mandate will apply to all suitable new residential buildings.

• German states: Many of Germany’s 16 federal states have already implemented their own solar mandates. For example, Baden-Württemberg made PV systems mandatory for all new residential buildings in May 2022 and for major roof renovations as of January 2023. 

City-specific mandates

In addition to statewide rules, a number of cities have passed their own solar requirements, with many in California taking the lead. 

• San Francisco, CA: Requires solar power systems on most new construction.

• Santa Monica, CA: Requires new single-family homes to install a minimum amount of solar power based on the building’s size.

• Lancaster, CA: Mandated solar energy systems on new single-family homes in 2013.

• Culver City, CA: Became the first U.S. city to require solar for large commercial projects in 2008.

• South Miami, FL: Passed an ordinance in 2017 mandating solar on new homes. 

A growing trend

The move towards mandating solar on new buildings is a growing trend, as building codes are increasingly used to promote sustainable energy practices. As of 2022, advocates were actively pursuing similar mandatory rooftop solar laws in at least ten other U.S. states.

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I notice how Finland has 100% literacy, is #1 in the world on sustainability, is #1 on the world’s happiness survey, and is enjoying a positive economy. Those factors seem to work together. When we’re told that the cost to transition to sustainable living is too high, the fossil fuel industry is the one likely sending that message. The change makes sense, but is up each of us to do.

Beginning with hard numbers, and without the Federal IRA or any other assistance, a 3kWh PV array – which provides 100% of the electrical needs for an average home, runs about $15,000. On a 6.25% loan – the current average for mortgages; that’s $92.38/month.  Check your monthly utility bills to see how this compares.  Our Garden Atrium homes all come with a 3kWh PV array, standard.

A 5 kWh PV system, costing roughly $25,000, should satisfy the power needs of both a home and an electric car for $153.94/month. Even without Federal IRA incentive program, that’s a savings from what we pay for gas.

When the IRA was in effect, the monthly cost for a 5kWh system, a $30,000 e-car, and all the power for both home and car came to a ridiculously low $64/month. And that’s how I’ve been living since 2013.  Even forgetting the environmental benefits, it’s incredibly great financially. (Technically, the IRA is in effect until the end of 2025. Afterwards, see if the state in which you live has similar programs.)  Adding D’s comments …

“Change is always uncomfortable. Change begins with taking one small step. Stuart has a beautiful new book, “T, D, Gaia and Me,” that walks through a myriad of activities that you can do to become more sustainable.

“Sustainable Living isn’t difficult, it’s just different. Pick something to do … anything to do … and, as Nike says, just do it.”