All articles tagged with #rooftop solar
A recent study suggests that while rooftop solar and EVs can lower overall electricity costs, they may increase costs for non-adopters, especially low-income households, in the short term. The effects are small but could grow as adoption rises, highlighting the need for informed policymaking to balance environmental benefits with economic equity.
The California Supreme Court ruled in favor of environmental groups, stating that the state's utilities commission's decision to cut rooftop solar incentives could be challenged in court, reversing a previous appellate court decision. The case concerns the reduction of credits for solar energy sent to the grid, which the environmental groups argue violates state law. The ruling emphasizes that the CPUC is not above the law, potentially opening the door for more legal challenges against utility decisions affecting solar incentives in California.
The California Supreme Court ruled that a lower court must revisit its decision to uphold a 75% cut in payments to rooftop solar owners for excess energy, a move that could impact the future of solar adoption and utility regulation in the state.
California's rooftop solar industry is experiencing a significant downturn as demand for solar systems plummets following a 75% reduction in compensation for excess electricity sent to the grid. The oversupply of solar power during the day has led to soaring costs for grid upgrades, causing more than 100 solar contractors to go out of business. The state's ambitious renewable energy goals are outpacing its grid's capacity, resulting in wasted or curtailed solar power. Additionally, the economic feasibility of adding more solar panels has diminished, leading to layoffs and economic challenges for the industry.
The combination of rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining popularity as homeowners look to power their EVs with clean electricity. By installing solar panels, homeowners can generate their own electricity and potentially eliminate the need to pay for electricity or gasoline. Solar energy can offset the environmental impact of charging EVs with grid electricity, which often comes from fossil fuels. However, access to rooftop solar is not equal for all EV owners, and installation costs can be prohibitive. Efforts are being made to address these barriers, including community solar projects and federal incentives.
The combination of rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining popularity as more homeowners use solar energy to power their EVs with clean electricity. By installing solar panels and potentially adding batteries, homeowners can generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid, which often relies on fossil fuels. Automakers are also recognizing this trend and offering energy services, including solar installation, to their EV customers. However, not all EV owners have access to rooftop solar due to various limitations. Efforts are being made to address this, such as community solar projects. The cost of residential solar systems has been decreasing, aided by federal incentives, making them more affordable for homeowners.
California's rooftop solar industry has experienced an 80% drop in installations and over 17,000 job losses, representing 22% of the industry, following the introduction of Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 and market rate cuts for rooftop solar generation. The policy changes significantly reduced compensation rates for exporting solar energy to the grid, leading to concerns about the state's ability to meet its clean energy goals. The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) has called for measures to repair the damage, including rejecting proposed fixed charges, simplifying regulations, and promoting energy storage initiatives.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has set an ambitious goal of installing solar panels on 250,000 rooftops in the Washington, D.C. metro region, including Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland, by 2030. While the target may be challenging given the current number of rooftop solar installations in the area, programs and funding opportunities are available to support the initiative. The MWCOG aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the region's reliance on onsite renewables. Virginia's Clean Economy Act and existing programs in Northern Virginia are expected to accelerate rooftop solar installations. Collaboration, incentives, and awareness are key to achieving the goal.
The California Public Utilities Commission has unanimously voted to reduce payments to apartment buildings, schools, and businesses that sell excess solar power to the grid, marking the second major reduction in financial support for rooftop solar in the past year. The new regulations will result in significantly lower payments for these customers, with solar advocates estimating a decrease of about 80% per unit of energy sold. The commission argues that the reduced incentives are necessary to prevent unfair subsidies and ensure that property owners contribute their fair share to maintaining the grid. However, solar advocates criticize the decision, stating that it will discourage new solar installations and hinder the state's goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.
The Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates most of the state's utilities, has voted to consider changes to the rates at which rooftop solar customers are compensated for excess power generation. Solar energy advocates argue that this move will create instability in the industry. The proposed changes include reconsidering the 10% cap on annual rate reductions for new solar customers and a rule that locks solar customers into agreed-upon rates for 10 years. The solar industry warns that regulatory uncertainty will harm businesses and result in job losses. The debate will not affect rates for current solar customers, but future commissioners may broaden the discussion if the hearings extend beyond the next election cycle.
The Biden administration is providing a $3 billion partial loan guarantee for Sunnova's project to help target disadvantaged communities, so that those with lower credit scores can still access rooftop solar panels. The funding will also help achieve Biden's goal of a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The loan guarantee is conditional while Sunnova reaches various milestones, so it's not yet available for applications. Additionally, the Department of Energy unveiled a $52 million funding boost in solar projects in April, as well as $30 million for research and development across new solar technologies.