In 2020, California will become the first state in the United States to mandate rooftop solar panels on all newly built homes. Additionally, new homes will be required to comply with other energy efficient mandates such as installing thicker insulation and tighter window and door sealings. Aside from the environmental impact, proponents also suggest this mandate will further promote an already positive public opinion of renewable energy. David Bywater, CEO of Vivint Solar, a company that installs residential rooftop solar energy, offered a 2016 Pew Research study that found 89% of Americans supported the expansion of solar energy, generally. Moreover, in a more recent study published by CITE Research, a national poll showed that 70% of Americans would even support a nationwide mandate. Bywater suggests that his company must continue to educate other states and municipalities beyond California and encourage them to become more willing to adopt solar energy.
