California became the first state in the nation on Dec. 5 to require homes built in 2020 and later be solar powered. ...the California Building Standards Commission (BSC) voted unanimously to add energy standards approved last May by another panel to the state building code. “These provisions really are historic and will be a beacon of light for the rest of the country,” said Kent Sasaki, one of six commissioners voting for the new energy code. “(It’s) the beginning of substantial improvement in how we produce energy and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.” The new provisions are expected to...