Bipartisan solar plan criticized

Utilities and home builders are lining up against a bipartisan plan, supported by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, to turn sunny California into a solar power factory. The incentives to put solar panels on 1 million homes and businesses would mean higher costs for utility customers who can’t participate: renters, condominium owners and those who won’t be able to afford the technology even with financial help, said Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric.

“The vast majority of our customers will not be able to take advantage of these incentives,” PG&E; spokesman Paul Moreno said Monday. “The nonparticipating customers are the ones who would pay for the program” because they would get no money back, he said.

Bill backers said customers in general eventually would save money through lower costs for electricity and by selling excess power back to the electric grid.

San Diego Gas & Electric isn’t convinced the incentives are enough to reach the goal of making the solar industry self-sufficient, said utility spokesman Ed Van Herik.

The California Manufacturers & Technology Assn., which represents about 600 industrial and some large commercial businesses, is opposed for many of the same reasons as the utilities.

The California Building Industry Assn. also opposes the bill because of its potential effect on home buyers. The association is concerned about a provision ordering the California Energy Commission to consider requiring solar energy in the same way the commission has in the past mandated low-flush toilets, insulation standards, energy-efficient appliances or low-energy lighting fixtures in bathrooms.

Sen. Kevin Murray (D-Culver City), co-sponsor of the legislation with Sen. John Campbell (R-Irvine), said he expects to find a compromise.