May solar policy snapshots A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

New Mexico now open for community solar business
Albuquerque, New Mexico

On April 5, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill authorizing community solar projects in New Mexico. Advocates say the addition of community solar is an important complement to the governor’s Energy Transition Act, which set goals to replace coal with renewable energy.

New California legislation would create 30% tax credit with direct pay option for qualifying microgrids
Sacramento, California

California State Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced a bill that would create a 30% tax credit with a direct pay option to bolster microgrid deployment in the state. The bill would help build necessary electricity backup protection against blackouts.

SEIA adds environmental justice to core advocacy efforts
Washington, D.C.

SEIA released an environmental justice policy platform to help the organization expand equitable access to solar. The new goals include providing career pathways to solar power for underserved communities and supporting tax policies that remove barriers to financing solar systems.

NYSEIA report finds utility territory restrictions are the largest barrier to community solar adoption
Albany, New York

Although New York’s community solar program has been successful, NYSEIA released a report detailing the policy changes that would allow it to grow faster. To overcome the largest hurdle, the group suggests the state implement cross-utility crediting to enable transfer of bill credits across utility territories.

Broad coalition asks Congress to expand local rooftop and community solar power for all
Washington, D.C.

A coalition of energy justice advocates sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them to craft policies that prioritize equitable deployment of renewables. The group specifically recommends local rooftop and community solar options to bring the benefits of renewable energy to more people.

President Biden sets new target to cut U.S. carbon emissions in half by 2030
Washington, D.C.

President Joe Biden announced a new target for the United States to reduce carbon emissions by 50 to 52% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. This early goal sets an important marker on the journey to Biden’s ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act advances to Gov. Inslee’s desk
Olympia, Washington

The Washington State Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act and sent the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk at the end of April. The bill would implement a decreasing cap on carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, while also triggering investments in new infrastructure.

Michigan lawmakers introduce bipartisan community solar legislation
Lansing, Michigan

Bipartisan lawmakers in Michigan are working to open the state’s community solar market with House Bills 4715-16. The legislation would allow development of community solar projects as large as 5 MW in the state.

South Carolina PSC rejects Dominion solar plan, preserves net metering
Columbia, South Carolina

The South Carolina Public Service Commission ruled in favor of the solar industry and struck down Dominion’s latest rate case proposal. Advocates warned Dominion’s plan would have imposed excessive fees on rooftop solar customers and slowed solar adoption in the state.

West Virginia legalizes solar power purchase agreements
Charleston, West Virginia

The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill enabling power purchase agreements in the state. PPAs give tax-exempt organizations in the state the financial ability to go solar by partnering with developers who then sell power back to them at a fixed rate.

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/05/may-2021-solar-policy-snapshots/