Friday, May 25, 2012

Doubling California's Solar Power Goal

Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal
The state Public Utilities Commission raises the maximum total capacity for all rooftop solar systems in an electric bill-slashing program to about 5,200 megawatts from 2,400 megawatts.

25 May 2012 - California is poised to more than double its targeted electricity output from rooftop solar panels.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday tweaked its rules to authorize an increase in the number of residential, commercial and government buildings that can participate in a program that allows solar users to lower their electricity bills by getting credit for excess power sent back to the grid.

The move raises the maximum total capacity of all the state's rooftop solar systems to about 5,200 megawatts from a current 2,400 megawatts. That's enough new electricity to power about 2.1 million homes.

Proponents said the PUC's 5-0 decision would ensure that California would remain the nation's leader in solar power. The state's solar industry employs more than 25,000 workers and has raised more than $10 billion in private investment, they said.

"Solar energy provides a clean, renewable source of electricity for California homes and businesses," PUC President Michael Peevey said. "Today's decision ensures that the solar industry will continue to thrive for years to come, and we are fully committed to developing a long-term solution that secures the future of the industry in California." read more>>>


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