Solar Policy Changes in 2018

Noteworthy Solar Policy Changes in 2018

This year, Plug It In Solar was excited to hear that the California Energy Commission ( CEC ) mandated that new homes, starting in 2020, have a solar system installed as part of the new construction process. Considering the recent boom of new high-rise developments in downtown Los Angeles , this building energy code will help the state of California reach its goal of generating 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

How have other states amended their solar policies?

Colorado

In March of 2018, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, signed a law that designates energy storage as a consumer right. This law marks it one of the first in the nation. The Bill summary states that “consumers of electricity have a right to install, interconnect, and use energy storage systems on their property, and this will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid, save money, and reduce the need for additional electric generation facilities. The bill directs the Colorado public utilities commission to adopt rules governing the installation, interconnection, and use of customer-sited energy storage systems.”

Florida

Prior to April of 2018 the state of Florida deemed that solar leases, or power purchase agreements, which allows a consumer to pay a fixed monthly amount for the electricity generated through a solar system , were considered to be “third-party electricity sales” and were prohibited. That all changed and opened a new financing option to Florida residents who were not able to pay for the entire cost of installation upfront.

Hawaii

Governor David Ige signed SB2939 which will help to modernize the state’s electricity grid with a change of the revenue model for Investor-Owned Utilities within the state. Hawaii wants to be a leader in green energy by trying to reach a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.

New Jersey

The New Jersey House and Senate passed bill A3723 updating the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030 which would put the state into a three-way tie with California and New York. The bill also will require generators to increase their electricity from solar by 5.1% by 2021.

Utah

Utah residents, thanks to Governor Gary Herbert, received an extension on tax credits for solar customers with the credit expected to be phased out over a period of three years. The other measure of this law requires solar energy companies to provide all residential customers with a statement of disclosure so that they may understand their solar energy contracts easier.

If you are building a new home in SoCal and are curious about the new CEC renewable energy mandate, contact the experts at Plug It In Solar at (818) 670-7769. Our experts will be able to explain what is needed for your new home. Don’t procrastinate and call today!