As of June 21, all new homes built in Invermere must be built to accommodate alternative energy.

The community is one of 36 in B.C. to adopt the new building regulation, which requires that new single family homes be solar hot water ready when constructed.

According to a news release from the province, the regulation doesn’t require builders to actually install solar technology. Instead, the new homes have to include a designated area for a solar collector.

The regulation isn’t being rolled out across the province, as not all communities can capitalize on solar power. In addition to the District of Invermere, Cranbrook has also adopted the regulation.