This is a bit of a paste-eating (read: boring to most all but we the solar geeks) blog post, but we feel it’s valuable to share a few important updates for property owners who are considering going solar.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
In late December, as part of the $900B Covid-19 relief package, the 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar systems was extended through 2022. (It was slated to drop to 22% this year.) Even through the lens of a rah-rah solar practitioner, it’s difficult to see the relationship of our industry to the pandemic … but, we’ll take it (and, it’s a benefit that accrues to homeowners who invest in solar). Good news.
PG&E Net-Energy Metering
In August 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) commenced deliberations for Net-Metering 3.0. (Background: “Net-Metering” is the accounting mechanism by which PG&E, as mandated by the CPUC, is required to compensate property owners for their solar generation. From 2005 through late 2016 [Net-Metering 1.0], property owners were compensated at the full retail rate [the same price PG&E charges for electricity] for their excess solar generation. Under the current program, Net-Metering 2.0, solar owners receive full retail compensation with two changes: a nominal “non-bypassable” charge, essentially a tax or toll, that totals ~$100/year; and, a requirement to enroll in a time-of-use rate plan.)
We were recently briefed by sages at the California Solar + Storage Association regarding the timing and key, to-be-negotiated levers of what’s next (Net-Metering 3.0). Important tenets:
- It’s anticipated the sausage-making process (CPUC deliberations) will continue through 2021, with a formulated program finalized in early 2022. Thereafter, it will take three-to-six months to initiate the program. Any prospective solar owner who has submitted Phase 1 of their PG&E Net-Metering application (by that date) will be grandfathered in to the current (Net-Metering 2.0) rules. Good news.
- Reprise: Anyone who has gone solar or goes solar prior to commencement of the new program is safe (i.e., you’re enrolled in Net-Metering 1.0 or 2.0); PG&E cannot retroactively change the rules or accounting treatment.
- It is likely solar-tied storage (batteries) will be part of the new program … again, details TBD. Could be good, could be penal.
- There are three key imperatives, or consumer protections, our industry is keenly focused on: Do not touch behind-the-meter (solar generation less consumption) electricity; no solar-specific fixed charges (ala SMUD and other utilities); and, any change/new program must be gradually implemented.
One note: There is no urgency, through our lens, to go solar. Unfortunately, several homeowners each week relay they were told (by one or more solar companies) that they had to go solar by (insert a fictitious date) for (insert an erroneous reason). Don’t buy it; take your time, do your due diligence.
As always, feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more about the above and/or if you’d like us to help you evaluate whether solar makes sense.
