Required Community Solar is Coming to California

Between all of the wildfire damages, blackouts, and ever-rising electricity prices, there is no shortage of reasons why Californians have come to believe that utility companies don’t have their best interests in mind. When it comes to policy, the state’s utilities have proven that they will invest their efforts in legislation that actually makes it harder for residents to access cleaner, more stable, and more affordable energy. 

This is why bill AB 2316 was developed. The bill requires utility companies serving over 100,000 customers to “enable ratepayers to participate directly in offsite electrical generation facilities that use eligible renewable energy resources”. Community solar projects fit this description to a tee. 

Newsom Greenlights Community Solar Requirement

On September 16th, 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 2316 into law. Now, California’s largest utility companies must provide community renewable energy programs to their customers. These programs must also:

• ensure at least 51% of capacity serves low-income customers

• prohibit its costs from being paid by nonparticipating customers

• require that the construction of its community renewable energy facilities comply with specified prevailing wage requirements

• provide bill credits to subscribers

• prioritize the maximum use of state and federal incentives

• accelerate implementation to ensure that time- or quantity-limited federal incentives can be obtained for the benefit of subscribers

These are a long list of perks coming to California communities, and the bill’s emphasis on project acceleration means that we can expect a surge of projects on the horizon. 

Solar Lead Companies Can Help Contractors Access More Projects

While we wait for these community solar projects to come into development, California’s contractors can secure more work via solar lead generation companies. Top agencies can help contractors connect to residents that are serious about solar and ready to discuss the details of an installation. 

Grid Freedom is one of these solar agencies, delivering fully screened and prepared leads to contractors at fair rates. All leads come with their first appointment already scheduled, meaning contractors can jump right to planning a system with their new customers. No contracts or purchase minimums are required, keeping terms as favorable as possible for contractors.

Get More Opportunities via America’s Top Solar Lead Company: www.GridFreedom.com

Fed Up: California's Power Crisis is Driving Solar Installation Leads

California just survived an unprecedented heat wave. For a full week, record temperatures were reached throughout the state. Sacramento saw scorching 116° days, and Death Valley topped out at 127°. Even the normally-cool Bay Area sweltered: San Francisco reached 97°, and San Jose baked at 109°. 

These temperatures always cause tension for the residents who have to suffer through them, but utility companies’ calls for power conservation during this period sparked serious discontent. Californians were asked to minimize energy usage at hours when temperatures hit their peak - a request seen as not only inhumane but offensive considering these companies’ underwhelming efforts to improve the state’s energy crisis. 

Californians Can’t Count on Big Energy to Fix the Grid

California’s big utilities may have invested more in infrastructure maintenance and electricity generation, but they’ve pushed hard against opportunities for residents to take power into their own hands. 

As of February 2022, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E had together funneled $1.7 million toward the Affordable Clean Energy for All coalition, which is behind the push for the pending NEM 3.0 update. These changes are set to seriously reduce the financial benefits of going solar, keeping residents more dependent on grid energy. Though this is at odds with the goal of reducing strain on the state’s energy grid, it’s well in line with the intent to keep profits as high as possible. 

This combined with other lobbying efforts has proven that California’s top utilities hardly see grid sustainability as a priority. Citizens will continue to face ill-timed calls for conservation and the threat of rolling blackouts if they remain reliant on these corporations. 

As they realize this, more homeowners aim to remove themselves from the equation. They want the independence and peace of mind that comes with solar, even in the face of lowering incentives. This attitude is pushing an increase in solar installation leads for contractors. 

Help New Solar Leads Seize Their Power

Disgruntled homeowners are coming into the solar market with major emotional motivation right now. Their anger toward big utilities and frustration with the energy supply has put many in a frame of mind where they want to install solar ASAP.

Contractors can jump on these solar sales leads most effectively by partnering with the right generator. Working with an agency that screens lead fully before delivery ensures that contractors connect with homeowners that are truly serious about solar adoption. 

Grid Freedom is one of the only agencies in the industry that puts all leads through intensive phone screenings with live agents. Our process ends with the scheduling of their first consultation, perfectly preparing highly-suitable leads for the final pitch. We make certain that you’re meeting with homeowners who have demonstrated real enthusiasm and readiness to take action.

Find Solar Installation Leads at www.GridFreedom.com