In 2011, the City of Lancaster, California set a goal to become the first net-zero energy city, defined as producing or procuring more electricity within city limits from renewable sources than is consumed. By the end of 2014, the city was 54% of the way to achieving its phase one goal, with 117 MW of solar production operational or under construction. The city’s suite of policies and programs supporting the ZNE goal has brought financial benefits to taxpayers, schools and individual families. The ZNE Ordinance mandates all builders to install a solar system equal to two watts per square foot for each home built, beginning in 2017. Builders will have three options available to comply with the City’s Zero Net Energy requirement: a solar component, mitigation fees in lieu of a solar component, or a combination of both.