Hello Solar Enthusiasts,
If you are considering solar panels for your home or searching for reputable solar companies, here is some crucial information from the State of California that could influence your decision. Recently, Assembly member Laura Friedman introduced a bill, AB 2256, to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that could help recalibrate how the CPUC formulates net energy metering (NEM) tariffs. This bill insists that the CPUC integrate all benefits of using solar, such as the positive effects on local air and water quality, as well as the potential system cost benefits in their tariff re-designs.
The CPUC thus far only looked at few economic benefits of rooftop solar, and it’s crucial to broaden their understanding. As NEM is not just a rate structure, it also serves as a far-reaching policy initiative that can shape the future of clean energy and climate change in California.
The introduction of NEM had an instrumental role in launching California’s leading rooftop solar market, facilitating Governor Schwarzenegger’s million solar roofs initiative. Currently, the state has over two million solar roofs, although the California Air Resources Board predicts that the state needs to double its rooftop solar to attain targets of 90% emissions-free electricity by 2035 and 100% by 2045.
However, since the introduction of the NEM 3.0 rule, the momentum in California’s rooftop solar market noticeably decreased, thereby making it more challenging for individuals like you to make solar array for home a realistic consideration.
This week, over 60 organizations sent letters to Governor Newsom, state legislative leaders, and the CPUC, urging a swift action to restore the state’s rooftop solar growth. In their letters, they outlined several necessary measures including halting further harm, restoring the multi-meter properties ability to self-generate and self-consume on-site solar, and ensuring the CPUC immediately dispenses $280 million worth of battery rebates allocated in the 2023-2024 budget, particularly for low-income consumers.
Also significant was the call for the CPUC to reassess the value of distributed solar and accurately measure all the benefits of rooftop solar energy in their Avoided Cost Calculator.
The state was also invoked to amplify solar on large commercial rooftops that can hold larger installations by increasing the system size cap.
Readers, these developments assert the need for the solar industry and solar companies to continue advocating for an accurate and comprehensive valuation of rooftop solar. The proposed measures could positively transform the solar landscape for longstanding players as well as those considering employing solar panels for your home.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the evolution of this critical solar policy!
Remember to “shine bright and harness the sun!”
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/15/california-introduces-bill-to-reestablish-rooftop-solar-net-metering/
