Hello everyone, and welcome back to my solar blog. I trust you’ve been enjoying our deep dives into the exciting world of solar energy. Today, we’re taking a closer look at a particularly relevant report put forth by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC). This Q1 2024 edition of their 50 States of Solar report provides some fascinating insights into changes in solar policies across the US.
First, for those not familiar, let me give you a brief introduction to the NCCETC. They’re a public service center administered by the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, known for their commendable work in advancing a sustainable energy economy through education, demonstration, and support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies.
This new report is certainly one to pay close attention to, especially if you’re considering solar panels for your home or you’re involved with a solar company. The report details a total of 163 actions related to distributed solar policy and rate design, taken by 43 states plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. It gives a remarkable overview of the state actions related to compensation for distributed generation, rate design, and solar ownership.
One of the major trends highlighted in the report is the increasing interest in community solar. Community solar offers a fantastic solution for individuals, businesses, and entities who might have unsuitable conditions for rooftop or on-site ground-mounted solar installations. If you’re looking for a solar array for home use, but have less than ideal conditions, community solar is definitely worth looking into.
Interestingly, community solar legislation is currently being considered by an increasing number of states. From Pennsylvania to Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, new bills that would establish community solar programs are being tabled. Alaska, Georgia, and Iowa are also not far behind with their own community solar bills pending.
Another trend to watch is the shift towards time-of-use rates, which vary the cost of electricity according to when it’s used. This can be particularly beneficial for solar-powered homes that produce electricity during the daytime when rates are cheaper. Several states, including Kansas, Maryland, and North Carolina, are moving towards clarification of tariffs for net-metered customers under time-of-use rates.
In terms of policy developments, both positive and negative, we see quite a few notable changes. In Massachusetts, for instance, regulators have made powerful moves in favor of solar by allowing electric customers to transfer credits across utilities. In addition, some systems are exempt from the state’s net metering caps.
On the other side of the coin, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) recently approved a request to raise electricity rates for all customers, even going so far as to single out those who have invested in rooftop solar with the largest of such charges.
In conclusion, 2024 seems to be a pivotal year for solar companies and potential owners of solar panels for homes. The landscape is continuously changing, but it’s clear that solar energy remains at the forefront of sustainable practices and clean energy solutions. My hope is that these developments encourage more Americans to consider solar, bringing us closer to a more sustainable, greener future.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights. Remember, the future is bright, and it’s powered by the sun!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/17/important-q1-solar-policy-changes-across-50-states/
