SunPower brings solar to the Golden State

Why should California home builders offer solar on newly constructed homes?

California sees 258 sunny days every year^*Best Places. California. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/california and is home to 91% solar-viable roofs.^*Google Project Sunroof. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJPV4oX_65j4ARVW8IJ6IJUYs/ Under Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code, all new residential and commercial buildings must utilize solar panel systems.

California remains one of the most forward-looking states in the solar energy sector. Laws that incentivize green energy in California passed through the state legislature as early as 1978. Today, homes with pre-installed solar systems sell much more quickly and retain a much higher resale value. High-quality, efficient solar systems are now available for California home builders, and the houses with solar do not stay on the market for long.

Why would consumers want to buy new homes with solar panels?

In recent years, solar energy has exploded in popularity. The many benefits of utilizing solar energy started a widespread trend, driving consumers to look for homes with solar panel systems. In California, solar panels generate 243 million MWh (megawatt hours) of electricity each year, and possesses over 332,000 installed solar panel systems, according to Project Sunroof^*Google Project Sunroof. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJPV4oX_65j4ARVW8IJ6IJUYs/

California's Title 24 code, which requires home builders in California to install solar for the new construction of buildings, intends to make energy consumption eco-friendlier and more cost-efficient.

Aside from new builds, converting homes during a remodel from non-renewable energy to affordable, sustainable solar power also makes them more desirable to buyers. Since California plans to construct a 100% solar-powered electrical grid by 2045, builders will do best if they partner with solar experts who can draft in-house designs, perform solar analysis, and develop energy modeling as part of a quality assurance program.

Do financial incentives exist for builders who use renewable energy?

As the solar power commitment capital of the United States, California leads the country in renewable energy production. According to a 2022 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the cost of generating solar power has dropped a dramatic 85% since 2010.

The U.S. government offers homeowners a Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

In addition, California offers an array of incentive programs, tax credits, and rebates to promote the utilization of clean, solar energy, such as:

• Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH)

• Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH)

• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

The state also offers net energy metering as an incentive, allowing homeowners to receive credit for any surplus solar energy that they contribute to the grid.

How much does solar cost in California?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Quality of the solar system

• Household's energy needs

• Local weather

• Available roof space

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources, for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In California, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,550 to $55,300, or in other words, from $2.51 to $11.06 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

What's the best way to add solar to new single-family homes in California?

Installing rooftop solar systems on new single-family homes in California requires proper planning and execution. We cannot overstate the importance of partnering with a reputable, experienced solar installation company that can provide the highest quality products and services.

Seek a company that is dedicated to minimizing solar project costs and boosting returns. In addition to the mechanics of installation, they should provide specialized services, such as:

• Solar financing support

• Property tax support

• Conceptual energy modeling

• Assistance in the monetization of solar

Solar Power for Homebuilders in California

Start working with our seasoned solar solutions professionals today, learn more about SunPower's solar power solutions for homebuilders. Chat with one of our customer service representatives to learn more about solar for Nevada home builders.