Also keep in mind that California now requires solar panels on all new home construction. The supply of renewable power in the state is expanding rapidly - our sources for power are not static.
Funny hitch - they don't require batteries. When the grid goes down you're left without power because your solar system isn't storing locally. Of course, you can add your own battery array, but many people didn't/haven't and have suffered through these blackouts like everyone else connected to the grid.
If the mandate in the article goes through, most people will have a battery capable of powering their home for several days -- it'll just happen to be on wheels.
With the use of efficient lighting, running the AC or electric heat is probably the biggest energy usage for a house. Having solar panels supplying power during the day can help reduce the load on the grid from everyone running their AC. It's more of a benefit to the grid and everyone else to have panels without a battery than it is to your own energy needs.
