Solar Act Introduced in Congress

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 […]

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US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Reps. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Michael Ferguson (R-NJ) 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 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, […]

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Colorado Governor Signs Two Bills to Spur New Energy Economy

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