Why Is Gov. Gavin Newsom Blocking Rooftop Solar in California?
17 days ago
- #renewable-energy
- #solar-power
- #california-politics
- California leads in green energy with two-thirds of its needs met by renewables, nuclear, and geothermal, compared to the national average of 20%.
- Rooftop solar growth has slowed due to policies disincentivizing homeowners, including reduced payments for energy fed into the grid, leading to an 80% drop in new installations.
- Governor Gavin Newsom, once a champion of residential solar, has shifted stance, with policies criticized for favoring utility-scale solar over rooftop, influenced by utility donations.
- Utilities oppose rooftop solar as it reduces their profits from infrastructure investments, promoting the 'cost-shift' claim that rooftop solar increases prices for non-adopters, a claim disputed by economists.
- A controversial bill, AB 942, sought to break existing solar contracts to benefit utilities but was revised after backlash, though it still excludes some solar customers from cap-and-trade credits.
- Despite challenges, rooftop solar adoption is increasing among lower-income households, and advocates argue it offers energy independence and bipartisan community support.
- Experts debate rooftop vs. utility-scale solar, with rooftop proponents highlighting lower transmission costs and community engagement, while utilities favor centralized generation for profitability.
- Homeowners and advocates remain hopeful about rooftop solar's future, viewing it as a fast, cheap, and liberating form of energy generation despite political and industry opposition.