Hello, Solar enthusiasts! Today I am thrilled to be talking about how solar is seen by California residents. It seems like more and more people are becoming aficionados of the sun, however, some surprising roadblocks have been erected that are challenging this clean energy trend. This blog post is aimed at bringing you up-to-date knowledge and empowering you with the information you need to navigate the solar landscape – specifically in California.
The popularity of solar in California can be seen in a recent poll conducted by Global Strategy Group, North Star Opinion Research and SEIA. Almost across the board, among Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike, support for solar is robust. Hypothetically, this could be a giant leap towards creating a solar array for your home.
Interestingly, despite solar being the most popular source of electricity among Californians, Governor Newsom, the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the state’s three investor-owned utilities have made it more difficult for residents, businesses, schools, and farms to go solar. A stark contrast to the nearly unanimous sentiment (96% of polled Californians) that residents should have the right to generate their own solar power if they wish to.
What stands out the most in this solar company landscape, is the issue of multiple electric meters, one that is typical on properties like schools and farms. Governor Newsom ruled that these properties must sell their rooftop solar production to private utility companies at a low wholesale price and then buy it back at retail prices, which are significantly higher. Picture the annoyance of having to sell solar panels for your home at a low price, only to purchase the energy back at a steeper price.
And that’s not all. The Newsom administration passed a CPUC ruling, severely slashing the compensation rate for sending rooftop solar to the grid, sadly causing the loss of around 17,000 jobs in the solar companies. Despite the CPUC and utilities arguing that rooftop solar leads to higher bills for non-rooftop solar customers, multiple third-party organizations, national laboratories, and state consumer protection groups have debunked this argument.
The impact on solar companies isn’t the only casualty of these decisions. Trust in utilities is dwindling, with 79% of Californian voters expressing skepticism about the honesty of utilities when it comes to the cause of higher electricity costs. They agree that utility companies seem more focused on profit over customer protection.
To sum it up, what it takes to install solar panels for your home, or to initiate a commercial solar project, is now complicated by these unfavorable policies. California, a state renowned for its support and promotion of solar, is at a crossroads where the will of the people is largely pro-solar, yet their policymakers and utilities are putting up hurdles. As individuals eager to champion solar, it’s crucial to stay informed and advocate for fair solar policies. After all, a solar array for home not only harnesses renewable energy but also contributes to the health of our planet.
Despite the runoff, there is a silver lining. The clarity demonstrated by Californians in this poll signals to ambitious solar companies that the demand for home solar arrays is there, waiting to be met with supportive policies and practices. Here’s hoping for a brighter and more solar friendly future!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/10/16/californians-across-party-lines-voice-support-for-solar-distrust-of-utilities/
