- Senate Bill 617 – Residential Solar Energy Systems: Permitting
Requires every city and county to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and instantaneously issues permits for a solar energy system and an energy storage system meeting certain requirements paired with a solar energy system, as specified. Requires a city or county to amend a certain ordinance to authorize a residential solar energy system and an energy storage system to use the platform. Prescribes a compliance schedule for satisfying these requirements.
- California Becomes First State to Require Solar on Almost All New Homes
A new building standard approved by all five members of the California Energy Commission states that most new units built after Jan. 1, 2020 will be required to include solar systems. This move represents the state’s latest initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although a boost for the solar industry, critics warn that it will also drive up the cost of buying a home by nearly $10,000.
- Sunny California Generates ‘Too Much’ Solar
California is cooling down for a bit in the solar industry. In January, February, and March of this year, California produced so much solar that it paid Arizona to take excess electricity to avoid overloading its own power lines. Since the overproduction, the Golden State has taken a step back from major solar production and powered down many panels.
- Solar Power Nonprofit Installs 9,800 New Systems in California
GRID Alternatives, a solar power nonprofit, is celebrating the 9,800 California solar power systems installed for low-income families. It is estimated that the systems will save families roughly $280 million in energy costs over a 20-year period. With its first installation in 2004, GRID has accomplished this feat in just 14 years. GRID is hoping to move its solar project to states surrounding California soon.
