California Backtracks on Solar Mandate for New Homes

California regulators approved a proposal to allow builders to construct homes without solar panels if they buy power from community shared solar installations including those built by utilities. Critics said the proposal undercuts California’s new law requiring all new houses to have their own solar power.

Supporters said the community solar option will give homeowners a chance to tap into solar power without needing to maintain their own panels. Community solar would also help reduce home prices in California’s overheated housing market, they said.

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