When imagining a modern city, many of us envision glass-wrapped buildings with rounded edges, smooth and chic cars and – often – open spaces or rooftops adorned with solar panels, providing clean and environmentally friendly energy to the citizens.
If you live in San Francisco, this may soon be your renewable energy-friendly reality.
San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener recently introduced legislation that would require all new residential and commercial constructions within the city to have solar panels installed, according to an article on CBS SF Bay Area’s website.
San Francisco’s current law requires solar readiness of 15 percent of the total roof surface area on new small and mid-sized residential and commercial buildings with 10 floors or fewer. Solar readiness is defined as meaning the roof must be free of shade by the proposed building and free of obstructions that could block direct access to sunlight. The new law proposed by Wiener would mean that this 15 percent of solar space would be required to have solar panels installed.
This legislation comes at a time when San Francisco is pushing towards a goal of having a city 100 percent run by energy from renewable sources. If passed, San Francisco would be the first city in the nation to require solar panels on new construction. Many advocates of green energy are hailing the proposal as a huge step in the fight against climate change, furthering the promotion of renewable energy, and improving the environment.
Wiener’s proposal would require developers to install solar photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity directly from sunlight via a naturally occurring electronic process, or solar water panels, which do the same with water.
Living roofs, or roofs partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, may also be accepted as an alternative. CBS SF reported that Weiner intends to introduce a second proposal that would allow buildings with living roofs, which provide insulation and absorb storm water, could be installed in place of solar panels. By helping to reduce pollution and promote cleaner air and greater biodiversity, these rooftops would also serve as a great benefit in lieu of renewable energy.
So, San Franciscans, be prepared: you may be on the revolutionary cutting edge of a new solar panel trend sweeping the nation. While we may be known for our commercial and residential painting services at Richard Stewart Painting, we also work with customers who are looking for solar solutions for their properties. As the San Fran proposal shows, solar is an incredibly viable way to help reduce energy costs while also helping create a more lasting and sustainable future for our environment.
If you’re in the greater Los Angeles area and would like to explore adding a renewable solar energy solution at your home or business, give us a call today at 818-951-1181.
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