California Community Solar Update

In this episode – California Community Solar Update . . .

Today, we're diving into the ongoing saga of Community Solar in California. As you might know, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has been grappling with how to regulate this growing sector. The program is poised to launch in July of 2024, however . . .

Net Energy Metering (NEM 3) and the Rooftop Solar Impact:

Let's rewind a bit. In December 2022, the CPUC issued a controversial decision called NEM 3. NEM stands for Net Energy Metering, and NEM 3 is the third iteration of this program. Here’s the big issue – NEM 3 significantly reduced the credit that rooftop solar users' received for feeding excess energy back to the grid.

This decision primarily affects those who install solar panels after April 2023. While NEM 3 doesn't directly impact Community Solar, it's an important context because it highlights the CPUC's ongoing efforts to balance the economics of solar power.

So what’s the Hold-Up?

The bigger story for today is Community Solar. This program allows Californians who can't install rooftop panels to subscribe to a solar farm and receive bill credits based on their share of the energy produced. It's a great way to expand access to clean energy, especially for renters and low-income residents.

As you might expect, the CPUC's proposed decision on Community Solar has been met with strong opposition, primarily from the utility companies. Critics argue it creates unnecessary hurdles for project development, hindering the program's growth.

Here are a few key concerns:

Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) Dispute: The proposed decision rejects the NVBT, a key design element that allows community solar projects to compete fairly in the electricity market. Opponents argue that this stifles innovation and limits Californians' options.

Low-Income Impact: Critics worry the proposal weakens support for low-income communities. Community Solar is crucial for expanding clean energy access to these residents, and a complex program discourages participation.

The Road Ahead:

The future of Community Solar in California remains to be determined. Here's what we know – A lawsuit challenging NEM 3 is headed to the State Supreme Court. The outcome could impact the broader regulatory landscape for solar power, including Community Solar.

The California Public Utilities Commission is revising its Community Solar proposal to respond to public feedback, and negotiations are ongoing.

Stay Informed:

The situation is fluid, and a final decision on Community Solar is yet to come. We recommend checking resources from organizations like the California Solar & Storage Association or the Coalition for Community Solar Access to stay current.

National Community Solar Programs Tracker: The Institute for Local Self-Reliance resource provides a detailed state-by-state breakdown of Community Solar programs, including legislation and project details (click the above link).

The Takeaway:

Community Solar holds immense potential for expanding clean energy access in California. While the CPUC's current proposal faces challenges, advocates are pushing for a program that's fair, accessible and promotes a thriving solar future. My listening friends, On the Fly, is about whatever comes to mind, and we will continue monitoring developments to keep you informed.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Tapestry of Truth

In this episode, The Tapestry of Truth . . . Imagine a tapestry woven with the threads of countless experiences. These threads are the stories we encounter, the lessons we learn, the relationships we cultivate, and the environments we inhabit. Each thread contributes to the intricate pattern of our beliefs, values, and interactions with truth. Philosophers have long debated the definition of truth. Bertrand Russell defined truth as "the correspondence between belief and fact." Essentially, a statement is true if it accurately reflects reality. Consider Galileo Galilei's observation of Jupiter. Through his telescope, he observed celestial bodies orbiting the planet. Initially met with resistance, this observation revolutionized our understanding of the solar system. Statement: Jupiter has moons orbiting it. Reality: Galileo's observations accurately reflected the reality of Jupiter's moons. This demonstrates how truth corresponds to reality. Despite initial oppos...

Golf Evolving

In this episode, TGL–Golf Evolving . . . Welcome back to On the Fly! This week, I want to share what Lori discovered on ESPN about professional golf: the NEW TGL league. You see, golf has evolved over the centuries. The game has always adapted from Scotland's windswept links to Augusta's manicured courses. But what if I told you that the most significant change in golf history isn't happening on a sprawling 18-hole masterpiece but inside a building? Inspired by Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story," we’re about to tee off! Good morning, Americans! Today, we're talking about golf—a sport as old as time yet as new as tomorrow. Who hasn’t heard of Tiger Woods, the golfing phenom? Also, if you’re a golf fan, you've probably heard of Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish star. But have you heard of their brainchild? It's called TGL–turning the golf world on its ear. TGL stands for TMRW Golf League. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports in partne...

Quantum Computing

In this episode, Introduction to Quantum Computing . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, the podcast where we delve into fascinating and occasionally complex topics that pique curious minds. Today, we’re exploring something that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie: Quantum Computing. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert—I promise to keep it simple, fun, and full of real-world analogies. So, let’s start with this question: Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wondered, “What’s the fastest way to get to my destination?” You open your favorite map app, which calculates the best route in seconds. But imagine if it could consider every possible route, even ones you never thought of, all at once. That’s similar to what quantum computing can do—but on a much larger scale. Classical vs. Quantum Computing : To understand quantum computing, let’s first discuss the computers we use every day. These classical computers process information in binary—ones and zeros. Think of it like a...

Starry, Starry Night

In this episode, Starry, Starry Night . . . Welcome back to On the Fly! This week, we're exploring the basics of astrophotography. Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what's really out there? I’ve discovered a way to explore distant galaxies–without a telescope–or leaving my backyard. Consider this: each night, when the skies are clear, a breathtaking display unfolds above us—a cosmic dance of light and color. When you step outside, you notice the moon and perhaps a few stars. However, you can open a gateway to the universe with a camera, some adjustments, and a tripod. Suddenly, faint whispers of light transform into vibrant galaxies, swirling nebulae, and star clusters that shimmer like diamonds scattered across black velvet. That fuzzy patch you thought was just a smudge becomes the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor, an astonishing 2.5 million light-years away. You're capturing light that has traveled millions of years to reach your came...

On The Fly

Search This Blog