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