California may require new homes to have solar panels

Solar panels on home US Government photo

SACRAMENTO, California (Fox 32 News) - The state of California might soon require that nearly all newly built homes have solar panels.

The state's energy commission is scheduled to vote on the new energy standards soon.

The requirement would go into effect in 2020.

The goal would be to have each home produce enough energy to offset all of the gas and electricity used. Over the 25 year lifespan of a solar system, energy officials say a homeowner would save around $60,000.

Critics say the requirement will just make California's pricey homes even more expensive and out of the reach of many people.