Did you read this article in Bloomberg about how rooftop solar is costing California ratepayers BILLIONS!!!!???  Then you should know it’s largely horsemalarkey.

What the article doesn’t say is how the utilities arrive at their figures–but based on previous assertions, we think it’s safe to assume the approach is grievously flawed.   Let’s take a look behind utilities’ net metering ‘math’:

» Read the rest of this entry «

Interconnection standards are the legal rules and procedures for “plugging” a renewable energy system into the power grid. With oversight from their regulators, utilities have traditionally determined which systems may connect to the grid and how arduous that process is. As you can imagine, interconnection standards that are unclear, full of unecessary steps, or non-transparent can result in a costly headache for rooftop solar – sometimes to the point where it makes a solar investment unviable altogether.

It’s incredibly technical, but incredibly important for empowering people to generate their own power. And so interconnection rules are one of our policy priorities at Vote Solar. And we’ve got progress to report! . . .

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved a major upgrade to the state’s interconnection rules for rooftop and small-scale solar projects: known in regulatory circles  as “Rule 21.”  The upgrade came about through over a year of negotiations between California’s three big utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), and a number of diverse stakeholders, including Vote Solar and our allies. » Read the rest of this entry «

With the shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and Once-Through-Cooling plants, Southern California Edison has serious local capacity constraints.  So much so that that SCE is warning their customers that blackouts will result if they don’t conserve energy.  The question is: what’s the long term solution?  Will it be increased renewable distributed generation and energy efficiency, or will it be new natural gas turbines on old OTC sites?  It’s a decision with serious consequences.
» Read the rest of this entry «

Our net metering coalition set a goal of sending 20,000 emails asking for a YES vote on fair solar credit at the California Public Utilities Commission. We were blown away by the response. More than 34,000 Californians have urged the CPUC to support the pro-solar plan! So let’s double down . . .

Can we send 40,000 emails to the CPUC by May 15? We say YES! » Read the rest of this entry «

Today we’re celebrating an interim win for California rooftop solar along with our partners at SEIA, IREC and the Sierra Club. Together we have been working to encourage the utility regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to clarify the methodology being used to calculate the cap on the state’s net metering program, that billing arrangement that allows solar power customers’ meters to spin backwards and generate savings on their electricity bills. Well PUC Chairmain Peevey has just issued a proposed decision on the cap methodology that, if approved by the full Commission, will help boost solar use by homeowners, businesses, and public agencies in a big way. » Read the rest of this entry «

The California Solar Initiative requires that solar systems that receive an incentive be sized to meet on-site load.  However, what if you install a solar system, then your kids go off to college?  Suddenly, without the hairdryers, radios, and extra computers, you may find yourself with extra solar generation at the end of the year. Previously, any excess generation, after the annual net metering true-up, was gifted to utilities. AB 920 (Huffman; sponsored by Environment California) passed in 2009, required California Investor-Owned Utilities to purchase net surplus generation at a rate set by the Commission, under some very specific parameters.  » Read the rest of this entry «

In a win for renters, today the CPUC approved a decision that should help get solar on multi-tenant properties.

» Read the rest of this entry «

In a proposed decision issued on June 14, the California Public Utilities Commission is proposing to expand Virtual Net Metering, a program currently being piloted with Multi-Family Affordable Housing, to all multi-tenant buildings.  How does this work, and why is it important?

» Read the rest of this entry «

Yesterday the California Public Utilities Commission voted 5-0 to approve the state’s new “Renewable Auction Mechanism” – or RAM – program to spur mid-sized solar and other renewables. This next-generation feed-in tariff program will require California’s investor-owned utilities to purchase power from renewable energy systems up to 20 MW in size. That opens a nice new solar market opportunity between the small commercial and residential systems supported by California Solar Initiative rebate program and the large-scale utility systems already driven by the 33% RPS requirement. » Read the rest of this entry «

We aim to keep our members informed about the latest opportunities, challenges and successes in the incredible fast-changing world of solar policy.  Spreading the word through our blog, social media and friends in the press is a big part of what we do here at Vote Solar. That’s nothing new.

But one recent bit of news (California to Launch Next-Generation Feed-in Tariff) has produced some markedly different results. This time, the investment community really sat up and listened. For the past week, we’ve been fielding calls from financial analysts interested in learning more about the first-of-its kind 1 GW program for mid-sized renewables. And from what we’ve seen, they’re pretty bullish on what the program means for solar growth in the Golden State (see here here and here).

What’s to like? It opens up an untapped solar market opportunity (under 20 MW wholesale power). It requires utilities to purchase 1 GW over the next couple years through standard contract terms and must-take provisions. And it builds in a pricing mechanism that addresses federal jurisdictional challenges head-on and delivers the most solar bang for ratepayers’ buck. What’s NOT to like? We are looking forward to getting this across the finish line in the coming months.

Here’s to more good news to come . . .