Good day, fellow solar enthusiasts! Today, I am bringing to you some interesting updates from two major states in the United States – Utah and California, pivotal locations for developments in the solar industry. As someone who is well-acquainted with solar institutions and their many idiosyncrasies, I want to paint a comprehensive picture of these recent events and what they mean for solar companies and individuals interested in investing in solar panels for their homes.
In Utah, rooftop solar is about to get a significant lift. A dear friend of the solar industry, net metering, has typically fostered the growth of solar across the U.S. For those unfamiliar with the term, net metering is a billing arrangement where customers get bill credits for the excess energy they produce and export to the grid. A win-win for both the consumer and the utility companies!
Now, the Beehive State is looking to increase the sanctity of this system through a piece of legislation known as SB189. This bill seeks to boost the rate paid under net metering while incorporating consumer protection into the future rates. At present, Rocky Mountain Power charges approximately $0.10 per kWh and provides credits of only $0.05 per kWh for exported rooftop solar generation. This is set to change with SB189, which would require utilities to credit solar owners a minimum of 84% of the cost-per-kilowatt. Sounds like an excellent deal for those considering installing a solar array for their homes, right?
This legislative proposition promises to reduce complexity in Utah’s annual net metering updates and make it simpler and more economically appealing to embrace solar. Moreover, this bid on compensation rate is a well-strategized move to strike a balance between utilities and rooftop solar customers in their respective territories.
Moving on to sunny California, the scenario presents a sharp contrast to Utah’s solar-friendly policies. The state was once a significant contributor to the nation’s rooftop solar market, with a share of about 50%. Post the introduction of Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0, the state’s rooftop solar installations have fallen drastically with companies facing bankruptcy and thousands of employees being laid off.
In response to this anti-rooftop solar wave and the rising electricity rates, the state legislators have introduced laws to regulate the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). One such notable piece of legislation is Assembly Bill 2054, barring commissioners from taking high-paying positions with a utility company for ten years post serving.
As someone deeply invested in solar, I find these unfolding developments fascinating. They offer insights into how invert solar landscapes can be across different states, from Utah’s encouragement of a solar array for homes to California’s challenging terrain for solar companies. It highlights the need for continuous examination and adjustment of policies to meet the demands of the dynamic solar industry and make solar a desirable choice for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates from the solar industry – clearly, there is never a dull moment! Together, let’s keep illuminating our path toward a sustainable solar-powered future.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/07/utah-bill-proposes-rooftop-solar-net-metering-rate-protection/
