Hello solar enthusiasts and aspiring solar leaders! Welcome back to my blog.
Today, we’re diving into a recent report published by the NCCETC which takes an enlightening look into the state regulatory and legislative discussions happening across the U.S that have the potential to impact the distributed solar market.
This report highlights decisive actions taken by an overwhelming 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, a grand total of 182 distributed solar policy actions, all in Q2 2024 alone. That’s a significant surge of activity in solar policy that reflects a broader trend I’m seeing in my research and conversations within the industry.
From California to Connecticut, states are intently revisiting their solar policies in response to increased funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This increased interest in expanding solar in various states is driving significant shifts in the industry. Key trends emerging include states undertaking formal studies to provide insight into possible successors for net metering, and modifications being made to existing community solar programs.
The majority of these policy actions are focused around net metering policies, residential fixed charge or minimum bill increments, and community solar policies. Frontrunners in this area include California, Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
Interested in installing a solar array for your home? It’s important to know that these changes in policy and regulation greatly influence the workings of solar companies across the country. Whether you’re a homeowner considering solar panels for your home or a solar company navigating changing policies, being informed is key.
Five major distributed generation solar policy actions across six states were identified in Q2 2024. These states took initiatives like legislating new laws, enhancing existing programs, and initiating studies relevant to solar policy. Notable states include California, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, and Kansas.
In California, regulators at the Public Utilities Commission issued a major decision concerning community solar and income-based fixed charges. Meanwhile, in Alaska, new legislation requires utilities to offer community energy programs – a huge win for solar energy.
Colorado legislators also revamped their community solar garden program, with the revised program focusing significantly on inclusive community solar development. Connecticut and Washington have chosen to revisit net metering, with both states initiating studies into their futures regarding this important aspect of solar energy. Kansas also passed legislation to increase the aggregate cap for net metering.
Monitoring these policy actions helps us gauge where distributed solar generation stands, and where it’s heading. The NCCETC also highlights that states are increasingly diving into net metering programs beyond valuations, investigating policy redesigns, future projections, and possible successors.
So, whether you’re searching for the best solar companies to update your home with a new solar array or simply staying educated on the solar landscape, it’s clear that legislative and regulatory actions play a crucial role in shaping the solar industry. Stay empowered – stay updated. Now, that’s some solar enlightenment for today, solar enthusiasts!
Until next time, when we shed more light on what’s heating up in the solar sphere!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/17/50-states-of-solar-policy-moves-q2-2024/
