Environment Nevada launches campaign calling for solar homes

Media Contacts
Levi Kamolnick

Environment Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada — As clean energy becomes a bigger and bigger part of the Silver State’s energy portfolio, Environment Nevada is embarking on a new campaign that calls for a similar solar mandate in Nevada. 

“In order for Nevada to be a leader on clean, renewable energy, change can and must start at home,” said Levi Kamolnick, Environment Nevada Director. “Americans have made it clear that they want solar power, and by creating a direct path for every new home to include this essential resource, Nevada will make a big contribution toward combating climate change and making our state healthier and cleaner.” 

Nearly half of American homeowners have seriously thought about putting solar panels on their home and almost nine out of 10 Americans favor expanding solar power, according to the Pew Research Center. 

Environment Nevada’s effort is part of a growing movement. In January, California began serving as an example of what building all new homes with solar power can look like. The implementation of the solar homes rule will help increase that state’s existing solar capacity by 22 percent by 2045. Now, along with Nevada, efforts are underway in nine other states, including Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas to include solar power in the construction of all new homes.

Implementing this solar installation would be a game changer. Doing so nationwide from 2020 to 2026 would result in more solar energy capacity than the entire U.S. currently has installed. In addition, a solar homes requirement would cut an estimated 161 million metric tons of climate-damaging carbon dioxide in 2045. That’s the equivalent of taking more than 34 million of today’s cars off of the road. 

“Solar power is supported by a majority of Americans and building all new homes with solar panels is achievable,” said Kamolnick. “We cannot miss the opportunity to generate the renewable energy that comes with powering every new home with solar. The most efficient time to install solar panels is when workers are already on the roof, and by making homes solar, it will lead to healthier and safer communities for years to come.”