A combination of state and local incentives and building code mandates has helped California far outpace other states in residential rooftop solar permits.
An analysis from ResiClub and BatchService reveals that California leads the nation in residential rooftop solar installations, reports Lance Lambert in Fast Company.
“The state has led the nation with renewable energy policies, including generous state and local incentives, tax credits, and mandates such as the 2020 building code requirement for all new California homes to include solar panels,” Lambert explains. Santa Clara County, whose utility offers an additional incentive for solar panels, has the most permits in the state, followed by Los Angeles County and Riverside County. “In 2019, Zillow economists found that homes that year with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar panels.”
The state with the next-highest number of permits is Arizona, followed by Texas.
FULL STORY: Rooftop revolution: Where homeowners are adopting solar panels
Commercial Buildings, Parking Lots Offer Significant Potential for Solar Energy
Massive swaths of flat rooftops, garages, and surface parking lots go underutilized. They could be producing renewable energy.
California Could Drastically Cut Solar Incentives
Rooftop solar customers in California could face higher costs and reduced incentives if a proposed overhaul of the state's solar program is approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
Rooftop Solar on Mexico City Market to Power 300 Transit Buses
A solar project atop a massive food market will provide electricity to Mexico City's public transit buses.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport