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A few bills have moved forward in California that would advance solar power in the state in various ways. The state was long a leader in solar power legislation and growth, but that changed when the Golden State changed its net metering policy. Perhaps things will swing back in the other direction if these four bills moving through the legislature become laws in the state. They could — and should — also help to get electricity costs under control, which have skyrocketed in California for a handful of reasons.
The three bills related to plug-in solar (aka balcony solar), community solar, virtual power plants, and smart meters. PV Magazine summarizes the bills as follows:
Plug-in Solar: “Senate Bill 868, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, advanced out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and heads to the Assembly floor. The legislation clears regulatory hurdles for plug-in balcony solar systems up to 1,200 W. The bill allows residents to plug small systems into standard household outlets, bypassing traditional utility interconnection applications and local permits.”
