California has more rooftops with solar panels than any other state and continues to be a leader in new installations. But a proposal from the state’s public utility commission threatens that progress.
The state now has 1.3 million solar rooftops generating roughly 10,000 megawatts of electricity — enough to power three million homes. And more are being added every week. Roughly two-thirds of those rooftops are on houses and businesses; the rest are on government buildings. The same rooftop solar has not only helped the state to become frontrunning in achieving its climate goal but also saved a considerable amount to its owners via net metering.
But this hard-earned and vitally important accomplishment is now under threat. Some big utilities are standing in the way of California’s progress. The California Public Utilities Commission under a well-planned conspiracy by the utilities is considering slashing the incentives available to people who install solar energy systems on their roofs.
The proposed plan under the garb of creating funds to help bring solar power to poor and communities is trying to impose one of its kind ‘Solar Tax’ that would be between USD 50 to 70 a month to every customer, who has solar on their roof. It would also reduce what solar owners get for their excess power sent back to the grid.
Not only this but the Solar Tax would also apply to customers who invested in batteries. We very well know that batteries are critical for the transition to clean energy and grid resilience. But now this tax will help only derail that movement.
In December, hundreds of solar advocates delivered to Gov. Newsom comments by more than 120,000 people in support of the state’s rooftop solar program. Now many Hollywood celebrities and basketball tale Bill Walton are all providing their support to oppose CPUC’s proposition that would cut subsidies for roof solar systems and help the utilities make the profit. Elon Musk has even stated the move by CPUC to be ‘Anti-Environmental’.
“We’re in the middle of a climate emergency,” Wendlandt said. “The last thing we need to do is make rooftop solar more expensive.” Wendy Wendlandt, President, Environment America Research & Policy Center spoke at the event in Los Angeles.
California regulators have calculated that to get to 100% clean energy as required by state law, California needs at least 28 GW of customer-sited solar by 2045. That’s nearly 3X as much rooftop solar as the state has installed as of 2022.
Rooftop solar panels are California’s quickest route to cleaner air, healthier communities, and less climate pollution. We need as many as we can get. More than ever, we need Gov. Newsom to stand up and make sure that California continues its shining leadership as a rooftop solar state.
We urge the governor to carefully examine two main points: 1. Whether working-class families and communities are paying extra for not having solar? and how they can be impleaded in this amazing rooftop solar and storage revolution. 2. Left no stone unturned to stop utility companies to slow down the momentum of adding solar in the Golden State.
Californians are counting on you to support rooftop solar and stop the utility power grab. Keep California a solar state by protecting the successful policies that are driving our success.
Do the right thing. Vote Below:
