Originally published February 23 2006
California passes solar energy plan
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In an important show of support for solar energy, the California Public Utilities Commission has passed the California Solar Initiative, a long-term plan that allots $3.2 billion for solar energy rebates in the state for the next 11 years and allows for the installation of approximately 3,000 MW of solar energy.
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.
NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006 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.
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.
Solar industry executives are already considering the possibilities for expansion (see related story at the jump below).
The CSI plan does not include a mandate that new homes in California include solar energy, nor does it include any licensing changes to who is eligible to install solar projects in the state.
It also does not require that solar installation work be done as so-called "prevailing wages," essentially union wages.
All three items exposed and exacerbated deep opposition between the majority of the solar industry and certain union interests that backed some of the proposals.
The money will come from existing funds already earmarked for solar power and a very small additional surcharge on monthly electric bills over eleven years.
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