Vote Solar Applauds Nevada Lawmakers for Passing Community Solar Bill

Carson City, Nev. – Today the Nevada Legislature passed Senate Bill 392, establishing a new statewide community solar program that will ensure that renters, low-income families, and others have the opportunity to participate in the state’s growing clean energy economy.  Once the Senate concurs the bill, it will move to Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for his signature.

“Every Nevadan should be able to choose solar power for their energy needs, whether the panels are on their roof or around the corner,” said Jessica Scott, Interior West director for Vote Solar. “We thank the bill’s sponsors Senators Mo Denis, Pat Spearman, and Joyce Woodhouse for their tireless leadership in expanding consumer energy options, job creation and national security with this nation-leading community solar program. We urge Governor Sandoval to sign SB 392 into law so that solar can shine for all in the Silver State.”

With plentiful sunshine and bipartisan clean energy support, Nevada ranks among the nation’s solar market leaders, but the traditional panels-on-your-roof approach to solar simply does not work for many of the state’s energy consumers. Families and businesses that rent or have shaded rooftops face barriers to going solar on their own property. If signed into law, SB 392 would allow customers to subscribe to a solar project located somewhere else in their community and earn credit on their utility bills for their portion of the clean power produced. The bill includes specific provisions to ensure that low-income families are able to participate in and benefit from the program. This statewide program would connect more consumers with the solar power they want and spur additional investment in Nevada’s new energy economy.

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Vote Solar is a non-profit organization working to foster economic development and energy independence by bringing solar energy to the mainstream nationwide. Learn more at www.votesolar.org