A proposed revision of California’s solar net energy metering rate would be disastrous for the goal of advancing solar power, according to a utility rate design expert and economist.
As reported at PV magazine, the proposed decision by the California Public Utilities Commission would increase the payback period for rooftop solar to over 20 years, according to Dr. Ahmad Faruqui. Under current rules, the payback period is between seven and nine years. The expected lifespan of solar panels is 20 to 25 years, making a 20-year payback unattractive to most homeowners, critics charge.
The new proposal would mean that a customer with a moderate system size of 7 kW would pay an additional $56 per month for fixed charges alone. In addition, the plan would lower solar export payments by nearly 80%.
Proposal opponents are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene.
Related Stories
| Apr 5, 2012
Retailers, banks among most affected by new ADA rules
On March 15, the most significant changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since it became law in 1991 went into effect.
| Apr 5, 2012
Florida ranks first in hurricane building codes and enforcement
Florida ranks highest among 18 hurricane-region states for building codes and their enforcement, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
| Apr 5, 2012
New IgCC green building code is a ‘game changer,’ AIA official says
An AIA official calls the new International Green Construction Code (IgCC) a “game changer” for sustainable construction.
| Apr 5, 2012
Model energy codes add thousands to cost of new apartment construction, study says
New energy codes could add thousands of dollars to the construction costs of each individual apartment residence in a multifamily building, according to new research commissioned by the National Multi-Housing Council and the National Apartment Association.
| Apr 5, 2012
LEED 2012 will include new requirements for data centers
The U.S. Green Building Council’s updated LEED 2012 standards will require two systems to be modeled for each project in order to show power utilization effectiveness.
| Mar 30, 2012
CSI webinar: Durable & energy efficient building envelope design, April 24
This seminar will review recent changes in North America energy codes, examples of building enclosure wall assemblies being considered for code compliance, potential moisture management and durability challenges, and design tools that could be used to assess and minimize potential problems.
| Mar 30, 2012
Improved construction that followed seismic codes helped avert loss of life in Mexico temblor
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake that shook Mexico from Mexico City to Acapulco damaged hundreds of homes and sent thousands fleeing from swaying office buildings, yet no one was killed, according to early reports.
| Mar 30, 2012
Chicago may allow people to live in retail spaces
The Chicago City Council’s Zoning Committee approved a zoning change that will allow up to 50% of work space in low-intensity business districts to be used for living space.
| Mar 30, 2012
LEED growing fast in the housing rental market
Last year, developers of 23,000 U.S. multifamily housing units applied for LEED certification.