Tom Ward reports that from mid-September onward, solar panels will be mandatory for new homes in South Miami, Florida. The law, which was passed with a four-to-one majority, states that builders must install 16 sq m (175 sq ft) of solar panel per 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft) of sunlit roof area, or one panel with a 2.75 kilowatt capacity per 93 square meters (1000 sq ft) of living space. The rule also extends to some renovations.
The changes are affirmations that South Miami is marching towards a clean energy future, despite the topic causing friction due to the bent of its Republican leadership, complex deals with fossil fuel-based utilities companies, and numerous battles between citizens and energy suppliers concerning whether independent sellers can compete with energy suppliers.
South Miami joins a growing number of U.S. cities which have implemented similar rulings. In January, San Francisco began enforcing a rule that buildings 10 stories or shorter have to have either solar panels or water heaters, and Lancaster, California has passed measures to ensure that new houses are renewably self-sufficient in energy.
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