US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Reps. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Michael Ferguson (R-NJ) have introduced The “Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act” (SOLAR) – which would establish national standards for the interconnection and net metering of solar energy systems, based on the most progressive state standards to date.
The legislation would require utilities to credit their customers at retail electric rates for supplying excess solar power to the grid. The bill would also establish that ownership of renewable energy credits (RECs) resides with the solar system owner for purposes of selling or trading to meet a state or federal renewable portfolio standard.
The SOLAR Act would protect solar consumers from restrictive covenants that block the siting of solar systems on a roof – similar to the current legislative treatment of satellite dishes. The bill would also help shield prospective system buyers from exorbitant permitting and licensing fees.
“Tackling our nation’s energy challenges in a clean and efficient way should be our top priority,” said Senator Menendez. “Rather than putting up roadblocks to those who want to use alternative energy sources, we should be incentivizing such consumer initiative. This Act would ease restrictions on those who want to harvest alternative energy, enhance the security of our energy grid, and relieve the load on often overwhelmed power sources.”
“New Jersey is the nation’s leader in solar power with deployment of more than 2,000 solar-powered homes and businesses,” said Rep. Ferguson. “This important legislation takes all the good things we’re doing in New Jersey to increase the use of solar energy and makes them available to the rest of the nation. New Jersey leads the way in making solar energy simple and easy to use. Solar power benefits our environment and Congress must do more to make solar power more accessible and affordable to consumers.”
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