"Push for Mandatory Solar on New Construction Gains Traction"
A bill proposed in Rhode Island, called the Solar Neighborhoods Act, would require newly constructed buildings and parking lots larger than 16,000 square feet to have solar panels. Single-family dwellings would be required to have solar systems that produce 80% of estimated average annual electricity use, or 40% if they include battery storage energy efficiency and demand storage measures. Multi-family dwellings and large commercial buildings up to 10 stories tall would have to have solar that meets a minimum generating capacity established by the commission. Outdoor uncovered parking lots larger than 16,000 square feet would have to feature raised solar-panel canopies covering at least 50% of the surface of the parking lot, 5% of the parking spaces would have to feature EV charging stations, and an additional 20% of parking stations would have infrastructure that makes EV charging station upgrades possible in the future. The Solar Neighborhoods Act should be adopted everywhere in the US.