Environment North Carolina launches campaign calling for solar homes

Environment North Carolina

RALEIGH — Just behind California, North Carolina produces the 2nd most amount of solar energy in the United States.  To build upon our momentum, Environment North Carolina is embarking on a new campaign to ensure new homes are built with solar panels so that homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills and help protect clean air and our climate. 

“In order for North Carolina to be a leader on clean, renewable energy, change can and must start at home,” said Drew Ball, Environment North Carolina Director. “We have an opportunity to capitalize on North Carolina’s massive solar energy potential. By helping ensure that homeowners can enjoy the benefits of  solar energy, North Carolina will make a big contribution toward combating climate change and making our state a healthier and cleaner place to live for everyone.” 

Nearly half of American homeowners have seriously thought about putting solar panels on their home and almost nine out of 10 Americans favor expanding solar power, according to the Pew Research Center. 

Environment North Carolina’s effort is part of a growing movement. In January, California began serving as an example of what building all new homes with solar power can look like. The implementation of the solar homes rule will help increase that state’s existing solar capacity by 22 percent by 2045.

Implementing this solar installation would be a game changer. Doing so nationwide from 2020 to 2026 would result in more solar energy capacity than the entire U.S. currently has installed. In addition, a solar homes requirement would cut an estimated 161 million metric tons of climate-damaging carbon dioxide in 2045. That’s the equivalent of taking more than 34 million of today’s cars off of the road. 

“Solar power is supported by a majority of Americans and building all new homes with solar panels is achievable,” said Ball. “We cannot miss the opportunity to generate the renewable energy that comes with powering every new home with solar. The most efficient and cost-effective time to install solar panels is when workers are already on the roof. By making homes solar ready, it will lead to healthier and safer communities for years to come.”