The following comment was written by Amee Raval, director of policy and research at the Asian Pacific Environmental Network. See our commenting guidelines for more information.
California calls itself a leader in solar energy. While this may be true in affluent white neighborhoods, it’s not the case with over 70% of low-income Californians who rent and don’t own a roof or lot where they can install solar panels.
Renters and low-income families already suffer disproportionately from the effects of climate change and the pollution of our dirty energy economy. Yet we are denied the environment, air quality, energy security and economic benefits of owning and generating our own clean, reliable and sustainable energy.
The State Assembly will vote this week on AB 2316, which can put California on the path to becoming a true solar leader for all, while also cutting bills for Californians suffering from exorbitant housing costs, gas prices and government debt.
The bill would create a statewide community renewable energy program, allowing utility customers to subscribe to community-based clean energy facilities. In return, subscribers receive credit on their electricity bills for the energy generated by these plants. To ensure the benefit of low-income communities and communities of color, the bill would require that at least 51% of the capacity of each community solar plant be underwritten by low-income customers or service organizations.
AB 2316 would mean that every Californian can choose clean energy and fight climate change, while also bringing huge economic benefits. Right now, more than 3 million Californians are in debt for public services totaling more than $ 1 billion. Community solar would reduce the burden on people who are forced to choose between keeping the lights on or filling their prescriptions.
By combining community solar with storage, AB 2316 would also contribute to a safer and more reliable electricity grid. This is especially relevant as we approach another summer of extreme heat and expected power outages. Last summer, the Newsom administration responded to such threats by allowing gas plants to run more often. This year, it is considering extending the life of gas plants destined for retirement as part of a $ 5.2 billion investment in energy reliability. However, extending the life of fossil fuels only exacerbates the dangers of our climate emergency.
To ensure vulnerable Californians receive all the benefits AB 2316 can offer, state leaders must include $ 1 billion in the state budget to support solar and community storage projects owned or underwritten by low-income customers. The 2022-2023 budget proposes a total of $ 32 billion to address the impacts of climate change, including $ 970 million for solar power and storage on residential roofs. Nothing was reserved for community solar, which would reach the vast majority of renters and low-income communities who are unable to install solar on their rooftops.
AB 2316 presents tremendous opportunities because today there are no viable solar programs serving California renters or low-income families. This is no accident. The California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees these programs, and utilities companies have long fought to kill the true solar community. They rejected the reform and instead supported efforts to suspend or terminate failed programs. The reality is that this alliance has often shown more concern in preserving profits for utility shareholders than in maintaining a clean, renewable and affordable energy mandate for frontline communities.
California cannot win the fight against climate change by keeping more than half of the state on the sidelines with policies that make being rich and white a requirement for access to clean energy. Working-class communities of color now see a potential path – through AB 2316. Certainly California, with its abundant sunshine and strong commitment to clean energy, can become a true leader in solar – by putting equity at the center. of the solar efforts of the state.
Which state has the highest solar capacity in 2021?
According to the report, about 7 GW of solar power was added on an industrial scale in the period January-November 2021. Rajasthan added the highest industrial-scale solar capacity of around 3,615 MW, followed by Gujarat (1,538 MW) and Uttar Pradesh (674 MW).
Which state has the highest solar energy potential? The correct answer is Rajasthan. Rajasthan has the highest solar power generation potential of any other region in the country. It has an aggregate solar energy potential of 142.31 gigawatts (GWp).
Which state has the highest solar capacity?
Karnataka. Karnataka is the first solar state in India to exceed 5,000 MW of installed capacity by the end of the 2017-18 financial year. The installed capacity of the Pavagada Solar Park is 2050 MW by the end of the year 2019, which at the time was the largest solar park in the world.
Which 3 states produce the largest amount of solar energy?
| State | Rank | Solar share of total renewable energy production |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1 | 29.1% |
| North Carolina | 2 | 44.6% |
| Arizona | 3 | 43.0% |
| Nevada | 4 | 42.4% |
What are the top 4 solar producing states?
The 5 best solar states in 2021
- 1. California. California was ranked as the # 1 state for solar power, by far. …
- Texas. Texas, a state known for having its own power grid, is next on the list of best solar states. …
- North Carolina. …
- Florida. …
- Arizona.
Which 3 states produce the largest amount of solar energy?
| State | Rank | Solar share of total renewable energy production |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1 | 29.1% |
| North Carolina | 2 | 44.6% |
| Arizona | 3 | 43.0% |
| Nevada | 4 | 42.4% |
Which states produce the most solar energy?
Comfortably ahead of its rivals, California remains the undisputed leader in solar power in the United States, with nearly 23 GW of solar installed.
What countries top 3 produce the most energy through solar energy?
Here are the 10 countries that produce the most solar energy:
- China (175,018)
- United States (62,200)
- Japan (55,500)
- Germany (45,930)
- India (26,869)
- Italy (20,120)
- United Kingdom (13,108)
- Australia (11,300)
What are some arguments for and against solar?
| The advantages of solar energy | Cons of solar energy |
|---|---|
| Reduces your electricity bill | High initial cost |
| Insurance against rising energy prices | Intermittent energy source |
| Solar is cheaper than ever | The production of panels has a certain impact on the environment |
| See a return on your investment | Requires space |
What are the 3 disadvantages of solar? What are the disadvantages of solar energy (and the environment)?
- Location and availability to sunlight.
- Solar panels take up a large amount of space.
- The Sun is not always present.
- Solar energy is inefficient.
- There is neglected pollution and environmental impact.
- Expensive energy storage.
- High initial cost.
What are 5 Advantages and disadvantages of solar?
Solar energy is pollution-free and causes no greenhouse gas emissions after installation. Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. Renewable clean energy available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce energy. Return on investment as opposed to paying bills.
Does California have too much solar?
California needs a place to put all its solar energy This is a problem that is starting to hit in California – and will hit other places in the years to come as renewable energy spreads. From time to time, solar panels in California produce more solar energy than the grid needs.
Is California Good For Solar Power? In October 2020, California was ranked as the nation’s highest solar-generating state, producing enough solar capacity to power 8.4 million homes in the state. In 2020, SEIA has estimated that California will increase its solar capacity by more than 19,000 MW over the next five years, second behind Texas with 20,000 MW.
Does solar make sense in California?
Yup! California solar systems reduce monthly energy bills, make you less dependent on local utility companies, and offer federal tax breaks. Solar energy can also increase the value of your home. When you consider the average cost of adding solar panels to your home, you may be wondering if you can save money.
Is it worth it to get solar in California?
In most situations, solar is worth it in California. This incredibly sunny state provides more than enough sunshine to make solar costs worthwhile, and that doesn’t even take into account the many discounts and buy-back rates. In addition, the payback period is less than six years, one of the lowest in the whole country.
Are solar panels popular in California?
California also leads the nation in the number of homes that have installed solar panels, totaling over 230,000. Many have been installed thanks to the Million Solar Roof Initiative.
How much of California runs on solar?
Less than two weeks after hitting a record 97.6% instant renewable energy on its grid, California passed a major new milestone, with 100% of the state’s electricity supplied from renewable sources for a short time during the end. week.
How many Californians have solar panels?
The impact could be significant because an estimated 1.2 million homes in California have solar panels, more than in any other state, and the state’s approach is often copied by regulators elsewhere.
What percent of California runs on renewable energy?
Renewable energy, including solar panels on building roofs, has more than tripled in the state since 2005. In 2019, 63% of the state’s energy came from carbon-free sources, including renewable energy, hydroelectricity and nuclear power.
Why does California use so much solar energy?
So, to recap, here’s why California is the perfect place for solar power: The states’ inherent and natural climate allows for plenty of exposure to direct sunlight. This amount of sunlight is perfect for photovoltaic solar panels. It also results in a better electricity yield thanks to better sunlight.
Why is solar popular in California?
The combination of abundant sunshine and expensive electricity has been beneficial to the California solar industry. However, the state has also created favorable legislation for solar energy, and several financing options are available.
Does California produce too much solar energy?
California needs a place to put all its solar energy This is a problem that is starting to hit in California – and will hit other places in the years to come as renewable energy spreads. From time to time, solar panels in California produce more solar energy than the grid needs.
What is the California solar tax?
In its current form, the proposal under consideration by California energy regulators would impose a “grid participation” charge of $ 8 for every kilowatt-hour of energy produced by a rooftop solar system.
What is the California discount for solar? Eligible low-income households can receive a one-time capacity-based incentive of $ 3,000 for every kW of domestic solar installed. To qualify for SASH, the home must receive electrical service from PG&E, SCE or SDG & E and be occupied by the homeowner / applicant.
Does California have a solar tax credit 2021?
One of the biggest incentives available to California homeowners is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). From now through 2021, the federal government is offering an investment tax credit of 26% of the total cost of a home solar system. In 2021 the value of the tax credit will drop to 22%.
How much of a tax credit do you get for going solar in California?
If you are a residential owner installing solar panels in California, you will receive a 26% tax credit at the time of purchase.
Does California have tax credit for solar?
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit Most California residents are eligible to receive the federal solar investment tax credit, also known as ITC. Promulgated in 2005 by the Energy Policy Act, the ITC originally covered up to 30% of the cost of installing a solar panel system.
Does solar increase property tax in California?
Section 73 of the state tax and tax code allows for a property tax exclusion for the qualification of new solar installations. This means that your property taxes will not increase if you install solar on your property.
Do solar panels affect property taxes in California?
The property tax incentive for installing an active solar system is in the form of a new construction exclusion. It is not an exemption. Therefore, the installation of an enabling solar system will not involve either an increase or a decrease in the valuation of the existing property.
Does solar power increase property value?
Installing solar panels in a home not only helps reduce current monthly bills; can potentially increase home value by up to 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar panels, according to recent solar research conducted by Zillow – or an additional $ 9,274 for the average value home in the U.S.
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