California lawmakers have passed two bills that could make it simpler and cheaper for residents to install rooftop solar, home batteries, and heat pumps. The legislation, approved late last month, is described as a first-of-its-kind effort to reduce the red tape that often slows down clean energy projects.

The measures focus on streamlining permitting and inspection processes at the local level, which are frequently cited as a major hurdle for homeowners. By speeding up approvals)Skip. The change could lower upfront costs and shorten wait times for systems such as heat-pump water heaters, making these technologies more accessible to a broader range of Californians.

The bills now move to the governor's desk. If signed, they would mark a significant step in using policy to remove practical barriers to electrification, rather than relying solely on subsidies or mandates.