California has become the first state in the nation to require solar panels on new homes. On this episode of Inside the Issues, we take a look at the power of the sun and the future of how California plans to use it.

Ivan Penn, energy correspondent with the New York Times, talks about the history and current state of solar in Southern California and how people can save money by using the sun to power their homes.

With a growing solar power industry comes an opportunity for people to learn new job skills. Michael Kadish, executive director of GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles talks about their program that helps with job training and how they are working to make solar accessible to everyone.

Andrew McAllister, a Commissioner for the California Energy Commission, talks about the challenges smaller and more rural companies will face meeting the mandate and what the future of solar energy in California looks like.

Dan Jacobson, state director of the group Environment California, has called for California to install one million solar batteries in homes by the year 2025. He says these batteries could help power homes in the evening and through utility company shutoffs during wildfire ignitions.

Let Inside the Issues know your thoughts and watch Monday through Friday at 8 and 11 p.m. on Spectrum News 1.