By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy held a virtual hearing on legislation that would require all new buildings to be constructed to be able to accommodate rooftop solar panels and requires the solar panels to be installed on

new buildings at the time of construction, including single-family homes, apartment buildings and commercial buildings. Buildings may be exempted from solar roof requirements if the roof is too shaded, if a solar hot water system or other renewable energy technology is installed or if the building has a green roof.

“Our legislation represents an important step in the transition away from dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy,” said Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge). “Combating climate change will require robust solutions and the mobilization of all of our resources … in taking this necessary step forward for the planet.”