Energy & Science

California Eases Up on Sweeping Solar Mandate for New Homes

Regulators approve Sacramento plan for shared solar farm
Rooftop installers fear move could chill state’s solar market

Contractors install Sunrun Inc. solar panels on the roof of a new home at the Westline Homes Willowood Cottages community in Sacramento, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.

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By David R Baker

February 21, 2020 at 12:10 AM UTC

Updated on

February 21, 2020 at 5:14 PM UTC

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California is backing away -- ever so slightly -- from its once-sweeping mandate requiring solar panels on virtually every new home.

The California Energy Commission voted unanimously in favor of a measure proposed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to allow homes to get power from solar farms instead of rooftop panels.