Should California Mandate Solar Thermal?

While incentives alone have worked to grow the market for solar PV systems in California, the state's generous CSI Thermal rebates — plus the Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit — have yet to create a solar hot water boom in California. At least not yet. Is it time to lobby for some type of state solar thermal mandate? California already has one type of state mandate for solar, though not specifically for solar thermal. In 2012, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved new Title 24 energy efficiency building code requirements. Starting in 2014, the code requires new homes, buildings, and major renovation projects to be “solar ready.” What does “solar ready” mean? It means that builders must: Orient the building toward the south, Make sure the roof isn't shaded, and Keep the roof as clear as possible so that chimneys, vents, air conditioning, etc don't inhibit the maximum number of solar panels.
See Original Article by Tor Valenza