California Passes Long-Term Solar Energy Plan

[BR_Parkway]

San Francisco, California On Thursday, California regulators approved the California Solar Initiative (CSI), the largest solar energy policy ever enacted in the U.S. and second only to Germany in terms of global solar policy.

The CPUC will provide $2.8 billion in customer incentives for solar projects on existing residential buildings, as well as all public buildings, industrial facilities, businesses, and agricultural facilities. The California Energy Commission, meanwhile, will provide $400 million in incentives for new homes, specifically targeting collaborations with the builder / developer community.

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The plan is both historic and monumental for the solar industry in the U.S. and beyond. It allots USD $3.2 billion for solar energy rebates in the state for the next 11 years, providing for the installation of approximately 3000 MW of solar energy, roughly the power equivalent of six large natural-gas fired power plants.

This moment also ends what has been a roller-coaster ride for solar advocates in California and beyond who have been waiting for the state to breathe new life into support for solar. The CSI plan effectively supplants two of the critical features that were present in the ill-fated "Million Solar Roofs Initiative" or SB 1, which faltered twice in the California legislature. It provides the long term rebate plan and the funds to back it up.

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=41631