Well that's interesting. Unfortunately its just more "Smoke and Mirrors". Ultimately it means nothing. Before anyone accuses me of being a too negative, here are some facts that most people don't know, even Californians. This subject has already been discussed here on the forum under the heading of "NEC is making DIY Solar Impossible." Not sure if this is just beating a dead horse or filling in the blanks but here is what I found out after doing some research if anyone is interested.
We have had plenty of legislation, AB2180, AB2188, AB634, that was supposed to be a kind of "Solar Bill of Rights" that would reduce obstacles to installing solar and encourage its usage. For example, mandating building departments institute a "streamlined permitting" process with fee limits and prohibiting HOA's from denying roof top solar installations. I've gone online and browsed through the so called streamlined permitting process for a few different Cities over the past couple of years and its anything but simple or streamlined. Even worse, somehow the "spirit" of the legislation was totally lost within the process. Most Cities have interpreted the "qualified installer" language in the legislation to mean ONLY licensed Solar Contractors. The long standing, and very well known CA Owner/Contractor exemption is nowhere to be found. Interestingly, the Owner/Contractor exemption is still technically available and is outlined on the Contractors State License Board website.
We also had the CA solar initiative back in 2006 that gave financial incentives and set solar build out goals. At the time it was actually fairly well thought out. It was divided into 10 levels with the 1st level having the highest rebates, going down in steps from there. Seems to have worked fairly well as each level was completed more companies got into the business and prices started to come down so the lower incentive level was was still effective because of other price reductions keeping the overall cost low enough to attract new customers. In fact, the program was so successful that now CA actually has TOO MUCH solar generation from about 9 am to 1 pm leading to what the Independent System Operator (CAISO) calls the "Duck" curve which graphically shows the mismatch between generation and demad during that time. Realistically if CA reinvented the solar initiative but with emphasis on battery storage and peak load shaving rebates that would be a big help.
Instead what we have now is the utility companies literally fighting the PUC and its customers. The proposals for the new NEM 3.0 plan are stunningly anti solar in entirety. For example, the utility companies have proposed monthly interconnect fees for solar customers of over $50 as well as severely discounted NEM credits for excess production.
Finally, what the politicians do not control, or so far have not tried to control, is the National Electric Code or the way Building Departments can use it against people at will. In fact, all the Solar legislation in CA has specifically noted that Solar Installations must meet all applicable building codes and there is no language to indicate that said building codes need to be reasonable or cost effective. This one clause has basically invalidated all other intents and provisions of such legislation that purports to reduce barriers to Solar Installations.
So here we are, already having grid emergencies, rolling black outs, flex alerts etc. Yet the obstacles and incentives to installing new grid tie solar are becoming much less favorable while at the same time politicians are busy outlawing internal combustion engines and natural gas water and space heating. I understand this is not a political platform, but seriously, could Sacramento be any more incompetent?
I took the time to send letters to my State Representatives, as expected they absolutely do not give a S*?&T. As Rush Limbaugh used to say. "Politics is show business for unattractive people." All they want is splashy headlines when they sponsor some kind of "feel good" bill that never fixes a problem anyway.
pv-magazine-usa.com
