Solar panels become mandatory
2008-06-23 07:26
Berlin - The central German college town of Marburg has become the first in the nation to require newly-built or renovated buildings to have solar panels installed.
The city says the new law was approved by the city council on Friday and will take effect on October 1.
The law requires any newly constructed buildings, as well as existing buildings that are expanded or altered, to include solar panels as part of the heating system.
The city says those violating the law will face fines starting at $1 500. The city is home to Marburg University and has 79 000 inhabitants.
The German government aims to slash the nation's greenhouse gas emissions 40% from 1990 levels by 2020.
- AP