On January 20, the SFPUC’ hosted a webinar titled, “What’s Next for Rooftop Solar in California?” The free, one-hour event provided attendees with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of rooftop solar at the state, regional, and local levels. The event featured expert panelists, including Steve Campbell, Regulatory Director of the West from Vote Solar; Helen Ma, Outreach Operations Manager at GRID Alternatives; and Ross Nakasone, Utility Specialist from CleanPowerSF.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
California’s Policy Landscape and Future Energy Needs
Steve Campbell provided an overview of the policy landscape influencing the future of rooftop solar in California. He emphasized the long-term impact of Senate Bill 100, which aims for a carbon-free energy portfolio. Steve also discussed how climate change is affecting the state’s transmission and distribution systems, as well as California’s increasing energy demands driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), data centers, and the need to ensure customers don’t face rising costs for installing solar.
Advancing Equity Through Solar Energy
Helen Ma shared how GRID Alternatives is working to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy projects. She highlighted the Disadvantaged Communities – Single-Family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, which helps make solar energy accessible to underserved communities. Helen also addressed some of the challenges associated with the latest version of Net Energy Metering (NEM), also known as Net Billing Tarif or NEM 3.0, and explored future funding and legislative trends that could impact solar accessibility.
SFPUC’s Commitment to Rooftop Solar
Ross Nakasone showcased the SFPUC’s support of rooftop solar since 2009. He highlighted programs like GoSolarSF, which has provided financial assistance for more than 7,000 rooftop solar installations in San Francisco, distributing nearly $30 million in incentives. Additionally, Ross discussed the Solar Inverter Replacement Program, which offers up to $3,000 in incentives for low-income customers to replace their solar inverters. He also spoke about the benefits of CleanPowerSF’s current NEM program and a potential future successor program.
For those who missed the live event, a recorded version of the webinar is available on YouTube: What’s Next for Rooftop Solar in California?
We encourage you to watch and share it with your networks to spread awareness about rooftop solar programs and initiatives in California.
Stay tuned for more informative sessions from the SFPUC Power as we continue our efforts to support sustainable solutions for all.