Schwarzenegger signs two major solar initiatives, vetoes 33% plan
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Two initiatives approved by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger late last night could trigger a proliferation of commercial rooftop solar power systems and will require utilities to pay consumers with solar panels for any extra power generated.
AB 920, which offers incentives to households and businesses to use less electricity than they produce, could prompt customers with solar or wind systems on their properties to become more efficient. Households with children who have recently gone to college or with new energy-efficient appliances can now receive a payment instead of feeding extra electricity back to the grid for free. However, experts said the bill, authored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), should not be considered an easy source of profit.
Meanwhile, SB 32 broadens the state’s feed-in tariff program for solar facilities from 1.5 megawatts to 3 megawatts. Written by state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino), the bill requires commercial solar power producers to be paid a set price above market rate. The model was revolutionized by countries such as Germany. Properties with lots of space but little energy usage, such as warehouses or parking lots, could be encouraged by the new law to build substantial solar installations.
But Schwarzenegger vetoed a slate of bills -- including SB 14 and AB 64 -- that would have required the state to rely on renewable resources for at least one-third of its electricity. The governor has issued an executive order to meet the 33% goal using a different plan, and also supports efforts to create a million solar roofs by 2018.
-- Tiffany Hsu
Updated at 9:09 p.m.: L.A. Times article is now available.
