South Miami has become the first city in Florida to mandate solar panels on new homes, joining 3 cities in California including San Francisco as the only cities in the U.S. to implement the legislation. The mandate also applies to those seeing to increase the square footage of their home by 75% or more. The legislation states that there must be 2.75 kW for every 1,000 SF of roof space.   

“This is about my children and my grandchildren and your children and grandchildren. We are running out of time. It benefits everybody except auto companies and the utilities,” said South Miami Mayor Phillip Stoddard.

The mandate has been met with opposition from residents, developers and city officials alike, as some feel that it is another case of government overreach. Others argue that the new mandates push the cost of living higher, hurting affordable housing and development in the city.

“All over South Miami, houses are being torn down,”said South Miami City Commissioner Josh Liebman. “This is government bureaucracy on the most micro-level. We must protect freedom of choice.”

Stoddard has advocated for implementing renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions to help combat environmental factors such as global warming and rising sea levels. The final vote is on July 18, 2017 and is expected to pass after city commissioners approved the legislation 4-1 in early July 2017. Tesla's sister company, Solarcity, headed by Elon Musk has made major inroads bringing renewable energy to consumers offering solar panels, an integrated "Solar Roof" that is blended into the roof shingles, and a Powerwall that acts as a generator. Images via Solarcity.