Monday, April 06, 2009 at 1:11:21 PM - by Tom Staples

More states are reportedly eyeing regulations that would mandate solar energy features for newly-constructed homes.

A report in USA Today cites the growing trend where state lawmakers are working on a variety of requirements for solar energy resources in new homes.

According to the newspaper, a proposal in Colorado would require builders to offer a variety of different options on new homes, from full solar arrays to other things like simply pre-wiring a home for solar.

"It's just like the granite countertop upgrade or the two-car garage or the larger closet. These are options the homeowner can choose to purchase," Colorado energy official Jeff Lyng told the newspaper.

Among other state proposals, USA Today noted that in California, builders will be required to offer photovoltaic panels on larger housing developments starting next year. In New Jersey, a similar law will take effect involving housing developments larger than 25 homes, compared to 50 in California.

Elsewhere, Hawaii is reportedly offering solar hot water heater requirements on all new buildings in 2010, while New Mexico is now said to require builders to offer solar-ready wiring on new homes.