Lancaster was the first U.S. city to require solar on new homes. Its Zero Net Energy Home Ordinance (effective Jan 1, 2018) mandates a solar system equivalent to 2 watts per square foot for new residential construction.
Lancaster City Council adopted the Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Home Ordinance in February 2017 after introducing it in January 2017. The California Energy Commission approved it later that year, and it took effect January 1, 2018. The ordinance applies to new single-family home construction and requires installation of a solar system equivalent to 2 watts per square foot of conditioned floor area. Builders have three compliance paths: (1) install the solar component on-site, (2) pay a mitigation fee in lieu of installation, or (3) combine partial solar with a partial mitigation fee. Lancaster pursued the ordinance as part of its broader Net-Zero Energy City strategy, aiming to generate more energy than the city consumes.
Compliance is verified at building permit issuance. Failure to provide solar component, pay mitigation fee, or combination prevents permit approval and certificate of occupancy.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle panel permits.
See how Lancaster's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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