California Takes Big Step to Require Solar on New Homes

State would be first in U.S. to mandate solar arrays on most residences, starting in 2020

California took a major step Wednesday toward becoming the first state to require solar panels on nearly all new homes, the latest sign of how renewable energy is gaining ground in the U.S.

The California Energy Commission voted 5-0 to approve a mandate that residential buildings up to three stories high, including single-family homes and condos, be built with solar installations starting in 2020.

The...