California, which has ambitious targets to cut its carbon footprint and boost renewable energy use, is a U.S. leader in the construction of zero net energy buildings—homes that produce as much renewable energy as they consume each year. As per new state legislation adopted in December 2018, all new homes in California of up to three stories, with the exception of those in shade or with roofs too thin to hold solar panels, must have solar panels installed, beginning in 2020. This new requirement could help propel the number of zero net energy buildings in the state starting next year. As of 2017, California had more than 5,000 zero net single-family homes, according to a report from the Net-Zero Energy Coalition. The multi-family net zero homes numbered more than 7,000. Based on the average annual rise in new home construction in California, the number could rise to as much […]