Without Net Metering, Solar Isn't So Attractive

Another casuality of the mad scramble at the end of the legilsative session was AB 560, Nancy Skinner's bill to double the cap on net metering from 2.5% to 5%. The bill really would have only affected PG&E which is the only utility nearing its 2.5% cap, but it's failure to pass could send a chill through the California solar industry.

Under net-metering, solar-equipped homes can send excess power back into the grid, drastically lowering their utility bills. However, a the amount of solar power a utility can take back from ratpayers is capped at 2.5% of its peak load.

The bill got bogged down by amendments governing contractor licensure that labor groups pushed for.

California Legislature inaction dims solar power savings [Sacramento bee]