The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has directed its staff to draft building code amendments designed to promote energy efficiency in new homes. The supervisors voted to have builders:
- Install electrical panels large enough to accommodate future improvements;
- Put in a conduit that could be used for roof-mounted solar panels;
- Reserve space on south-facing roofs where PVs could be added; and
- Include a conduit to the garage that could be used for an electric vehicle charging station.
The prospective mandates could add $2,300 to the cost of a new house but would lead to savings of about the same amount on energy bills within 18 months.
PB Topical Ref
