California must act quickly or risk losing billions in federal community solar incentives

July 18, 2024

California has led the U.S. solar industry for years, but not in the community solar market. The recent passage of AB 2316 follows 23 community solar states where homes and businesses can receive bill credits from the generated power of nearby community solar projects. The program is popular because it enables any ratepayer to enjoy solar power savings, even if they don’t have a suitable roof for solar, rent, live in an apartment or have poor credit scores. Now, California is finally poised to lead in community solar as well, with legislation that has the potential to bring on new renewable energy capacity and reduce the utility bills of over a million Californians, including LMI households. But these electric bill savings and other benefits could disappear if the CPUC does not approve a community solar program soon.