Solar Energy

As climate change initiatives and renewable energy standards are adopted at both the local and state level across the country, solar energy technologies are getting more focused attention by policymakers. Below are a selection of rules that target efforts to enhance solar energy development – both thermal and electric (photovoltaics).  Solar power is likely to become the “fuel” for our transportation sector as we move toward a future with electric vehicles.

Green Building Requirements and Incentives for Private Development – West Hollywood, CA

This ordinance applies a suite of energy conservation and renewable energy requirements to both residential and commercial development. Some provisions apply to new building projects while others apply to remodeling projects at existing buildings. One of these is a requirement to prepare the building for the installation of future photovoltaic systems.… Read More

In-State Preference for Renewable Energy Systems – Washington

Two proposals were signed into law in 2005 in Washington. The new laws put distributed generation and renewable energy on the fast track in the state. The first bill (SB 5101) establishes a renewable energy production incentive that is larger if the equipment comes from in-state manufacturers. The second bill (SB 5111) provides corporate tax breaks for solar energy businesses in the state based on their sales.… Read More

Solar Energy Initiative – San Francisco, CA

In November 2001, voters in San Francisco cast their ballots in favor of becoming a world leader in solar electricity. Seventy-three percent of voters approved of Proposition B to allow San Francisco to issue$100 million in revenue bonds to finance enough renewable energy to supply about 25 percent of the government's needs. If fully implemented San Francisco will become the largest single producer of solar energy in the U.S.… Read More

Solar Hot Water Incentive Program – California

The Calilfornia Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB1470), creates a 10-year program aimed at installing 200,000 solar water heaters in homes and businesses using a $250 million fund.  The law authorizes the California Energy Commission to “impose the surcharge at a level that is necessary to meet the goal of installing 200,000 solar water heating systems..."… Read More

Solar Incentives Program – Los Angeles, California

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has an interesting solar rooftop incentive program with a goal to have 100,000 systems on rooftops in LA by the year 2010. We like this particular program because it gives an extra incentive to systems that are manufactured locally inside Los Angeles. The solar power program has been authorized a total budget of $150 million through June 30, 2011.… Read More

Solar Power on New State Buildings – California

This law required the Department of General Services, in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, to ensure that solar energy equipment is installed, no later than January 1, 2007, on all state buildings and state parking facilities where feasible, as specified.… Read More